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“UNDUE INFLUENCE” AND OTHER WILL PROBLEMS

“UNDUE INFLUENCE” AND OTHER WILL PROBLEMS By: Ethan R. Okura   In previous columns, I have addressed the subject of financial abuse of the elderly. This usually involves outright stealing or fraud. However, there is another form of financial abuse that is...

An Ethical Will: The Importance of Passing Down Your Values, Not Just Your Assets

An Ethical Will: The Importance of Passing Down Your Values, Not Just Your Assets By Ethan R. Okura   Have you heard the proverb “Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves in Three Generations?” Or perhaps you’ve heard the saying as “Rags to Riches to...

How To Apply For Long-Term Care Medicaid

In last month’s column, I focused on the history of Medicaid and discussed some of the difficulties that arise when dealing with Medicaid’s many laws, rules and policies. I also told you about some of the problems that people have encountered when applying for...

Applying For Long Term Care Medicaid: Can You Do It On Your Own?

Applying For Long Term Care Medicaid: Can You Do It On Your Own? By Ethan R. Okura Medicaid was created in 1965 as Title XIX of the Social Security Act, alongside Medicare, which was Title XVIII of the Act, under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Medicaid is a joint...

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: NEW DEATH WITH DIGNITY LAW PASSED

Legislative Update: New Death With Dignity Law Passed By Ethan R. Okura   Recently, the Hawaii State Legislature passed a bill that gives terminally ill patients an option to take prescription medication that will cause them to pass away peacefully in their...

WHAT OUT OF STATE CHILDREN NEED TO KNOW TO HELP THEIR AGING PARENTS IN HAWAII

WHAT OUT OF STATE CHILDREN NEED TO KNOW TO HELP THEIR AGING PARENTS IN HAWAII By Ethan R. Okura   We often have clients who raised their families here in Hawaii, and then sent their children off to the mainland or elsewhere in the world to pursue their...

THE TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT

THE TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT By Ethan R. Okura   In November 2017, I wrote an article about the proposed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). There were quite a few changes laid out in the proposed new law and there has been a lot of confusion as the bill went through...

Estate Planning Update 2018

ESTATE PLANNING UPDATE FOR 2018 By: Ethan R. Okura   Happy New Year! The following is the 2018 update of important numbers used in estate planning and Medicaid planning in Hawai‘i. How much money and property can a person have at the time of death without paying...

’TIS THE SEASON OF GIVING

’TIS THE SEASON OF GIVING By Ethan R. Okura and Carroll D. Dortch   From the American tradition of a big Thanksgiving feast to the various religious celebrations at this time of year, gifts and sharing with others are what make this holiday season so special....

Everything You Need To Know About The New Proposed Tax Changes

Everything You Need To Know About The New Proposed Tax Changes By Ethan R. Okura & Carroll Dortch   On November 2, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was released. It is a Republican-sponsored bill from the House of Representatives that is intended to simplify...