Can You Self-File Probate in Maui County, Hawaii?
In Hawaii, informal probate is availableHRS § 560:3-301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, and a self-represented executor can usually handle it for a simple, uncontested estate. In Maui, the petition is filed at the Maui Second Circuit Court, which requires e-filing.
Yes. Maui runs a self-help center for self-represented filers, and informal probate is availableHRS § 560:3-301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, the simpler track. It works best for a straightforward estate. The estate settlement plan tracks each Maui filing step alongside the estate's accounts and deadlines.
File at the Second Circuit Court, Hoapili Hale, 2145 Main Street, Suite 106, Wailuku, HI 96793-1679. Phone: 1-808-244-2706. Hours: Monday-Friday 7:45 AM-4:30 PM (except state holidays).
Maui requires e-filing for probate matters. Attorneys must register as JEFS (Judiciary Electronic Filing and Service System) users and file every document through JEFS (HEFSR Rules 4.1(a) and 2.2). A self-represented party may register for JEFS but is not required to, and may keep filing paper documents at the courthouse (HEFSR Rule 4.1(c); JEFS Self-Represented Litigant Guide, April 2023). JEFS requires multi-factor authentication since September 13, 2026. Death certificates are sealed upon filing under Hawaii Probate Rules Rule 3(d). Second Circuit civil e-filing questions: 808-244-2998 or DCCrim.2DC@courts.hawaii.gov.
Maui runs a self-help center at Maui Court Self-Help Center, Hoapili Hale, 2145 Main Street, Wailuku, HI 96793. Hours: Monday, Thursday 10:00 AM-1:00 PM (phone; in person the second and fourth Thursday). Phone: 1-808-909-2841.
The Hawaii court filing fee is $215Haw. Rev. Stat. § 607-5(b)(14), (c)(32); § 607-5.7(a)(2); Hawaii State Judiciary, List of Civil Filing Fees (updated 6/17/2022)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, and publication of the creditor notice is a separate cost set by the newspaper. The filing fee is a fraction of what probate costs with counsel: attorney fees are the largest line, and self-filing removes that line while court costs, publication and executor compensation stay the same.
Self-File Probate Assessment in Nearby Counties
- Other counties in the 2nd Circuit: Kalawao County (Wailuku)
- More Hawaii counties: Kauai County (Lihue)
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Forms for Settling an Estate in Hawaii
Free forms for settling an estate in Hawaii: probate petition, small estate affidavit, creditor notice and closing forms. Prepare each form for Hawaii.
Petition for Probate and Letters
In Hawaii, the petition asks the Circuit Court to appoint the personal representative, whose authority is proved by Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; an informal (registrar) track is availableHRS § 560:3-301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Notice to Creditors
In Hawaii, creditors have 4 monthsHRS § 560:3-803(a)(1)(A)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication to present claims.
Renunciation of Executor
In Hawaii, a person named as personal representative may renounce the right to serveHRS § 560:3-203(c)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Small Estate Affidavit
In Hawaii, the Affidavit for Collection of Personal PropertyHRS § 560:3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates valued at $100,000HRS § 560:3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.
Estate Inventory
In Hawaii, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysHRS § 560:3-706Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Hawaii, the personal representative is discharged automatically once the statutory period runsHRS §§ 560:3-1003(b), 560:3-1005Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Hawaii
Free tools for settling an estate in Hawaii: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool for Hawaii.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Hawaii pays executors reasonable compensationHRS § 560:3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; the § 607-18 percentage schedule applies to trustees, not personal representatives)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, typically 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate.
How Do I Get Letters Testamentary?
In Hawaii, the Registrar issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration once the Circuit Court appoints the personal representative; an informal (registrar) track is availableHRS § 560:3-301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In Hawaii, creditors have 4 monthsHRS § 560:3-803(a)(1)(A)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, Hawaii pays the claims in 7Haw. Rev. Stat. § 560:3-805Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with costs and expenses of administration.
How Do I Claim a Deceased Person's Unclaimed Property?
In Hawaii, a deceased owner's unclaimed property is claimed from the Hawaii Department of Budget and Finance, Unclaimed Property ProgramHaw. Rev. Stat. Chapter 523A (Uniform Unclaimed Property Act), 523A-19(c); heir affidavit under Haw. Rev. Stat. 560:3-1201, 560:3-1202Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
What Social Security Survivor Benefits Can I Get?
Which Social Security survivor benefit a spouse, former spouse, child or parent can get, what share it pays, and the lump-sum death payment.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
In Hawaii, the personal representative lists the estate's personal property at its fair market value as of the date of deathHRS § 560:3-706Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, on the inventory filed within 90 daysHRS § 560:3-706Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of the appointment.
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Hawaii Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Hawaii probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.