Why Every Unmarried Honolulu Woman Needs a "Plan B" (Even if You Only Own a Condo)
You’ve worked hard to build your life here in Hawaii. Whether you’re enjoying your retirement in a Kaka’ako high-rise or balancing a career with a view of Diamond Head from your lanai, your home is more than just real estate—it’s your sanctuary. But for many single women, there is a nagging question that often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list: "What happens to my home and my savings if something happens to me?"
Many people assume that estate planning is only for the "super-rich" or for families with children. In reality, if you are a single homeowner in Hawaii, having a plan is even more critical. Here is the reality of what happens without one:
1. The Hawaii Probate Trap
In Hawaii, if you own a condo in your individual name and pass away, that property must go through the probate court system before it can be transferred to your heirs. Even for a "simple" estate, the process can take 12 to 18 months and cost thousands in legal and court fees. By the time it’s over, a significant chunk of what you worked for has vanished into the system.
2. Who Speaks for You at the Hospital?
Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone. If you were to have a medical emergency and couldn’t speak for yourself, who has the legal authority to talk to your doctors at Queen’s or Straub? Without a Power of Attorney and an Advance Healthcare Directive, your loved ones might have to go to court just to get the right to help you.
3. Protecting Your Independence
At Happy Life Legal, we specialize in helping independent women secure their legacies. We believe in transparency, which is why we offer a flat-fee Single's Package. No "ticking clocks" and no surprise bills—just a comprehensive plan that includes a Revocable Living Trust, a Will, Advance Directive, and Power of Attorney (aka, the essential medical and financial documents you need to stay in control).
Protecting your "Happy Life" means making sure your future is handled on your terms. You’ve taken care of yourself this far; let’s make sure your plan does the same.