A personal representative or executor assumes control over another person’s estate. Their obligations include attending probate court hearings, securing estate resources, communicating with creditors and distributing property. Those establishing estate plans often invest quite a bit of effort into the selection of their personal representative. They may try to pick someone that they trust to behave in an ethical and responsible manner. Unfortunately, the personal representative overseeing an estate may lack the diligence and sense of ethics necessitated by the position. Family members may even ..read more

While there are many reasons for someone to look for a new job in Hawaii, the main reason most people seek employment is to make money. Wages and benefits are important factors when you are job seeking, which is why it’s important that you’re fully aware of both before accepting a job offer. Potential employees have the right to know exactly what they will be paid, and thanks to a law that went into effect at the beginning of this year, employers will now be held to a higher standard when it comes to transparency surrounding wages.   Wage transparency  Act 203, which defines whe ..read more

Working while pregnant can be challenging, especially if your job is physically demanding. You may get tired more quickly and find it hard to stay focused due to fatigue and other pregnancy symptoms. But these difficulties do not mean you should face mistreatment at work. Discrimination based on pregnancy is illegal in Hawaii and all other states. If you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the future, it’s important that you’re aware of your rights on the job. Pregnancy accommodations There are federal laws in place to protect pregnant workers. These laws apply to employers who have 15 o ..read more

Due to the popularity of Hawaii for vacationers seeking a tropical paradise, the need for quality vacation rental properties continues to grow. If you wish to add real estate to your investment portfolio, buying a property to use for short-term rentals can be a good starting point. Before purchasing a property, it’s important to understand more about the process of renting homes to short-term guests and to know what to expect. Buying a vacation rental When buying a property to use as a short-term rental, location is important. You can easily renovate and make upgrades to the interior and exter ..read more

One of the most complex aspects of owning a business is navigating all of the legal matters that come with entrepreneurship and company management. There is much more involved with owning and operating a company outside of having a great idea for a business and launching social media channels. There are important legal and financial decisions you will have to make that will determine the course of your business. It is critical that you shield your interests by having certain types of employment policies in place. The policies you have in place for your business can add significant value for yo ..read more

Whether you are a landlord hoping to lease your property or you are a business owner looking for the ideal commercial property, the terms of real estate contracts are important. For commercial properties, it is most common to have a lease agreement in place in order to protect the interests of both parties and outline the terms of the relationship. The details of these contracts are critical and can affect the long-term health of your business or your financial well-being. It is in your interests to know what should be in a commercial lease agreement. Even a small issue in the terms of this co ..read more

When a loved one passes away, those left behind will have the responsibility of settling his or her estate and distributing assets according to the terms of his or her will. This is an immense responsibility, and it can be emotionally challenging to navigate this process after a death in the family. The probate process itself can be complicated, and it can be even more so when there are issues that arise during this process. If you are tasked with the responsibility of navigating probate for your loved one, you will benefit from knowing exactly what you should expect from this process. Not onl ..read more

When you go to work, you have the right to do your job in an environment that is free from mistreatment and other types of harassment. This is true regardless of your gender, age, religious practices and other factors, including hearing impairment. Deaf or hearing impaired employees have rights in the workplace, and they should not experience harassment over their physical limitations or experience discrimination in any form. As a deaf employee, you may benefit from having an awareness of your rights in the event that you experience discrimination. You do not have to suffer in silence, but you ..read more

It can be difficult to find commercial property that suits the needs of your business. This type of property can be expensive, and when you find something in your budget, it can be tempting to want to move forward as quickly as possible. However, this can lead to complications and poor decisions that may impact your company long-term. Before you sign a commercial lease, you will benefit from taking precautions before you move forward. A commercial lease is a contract that you may have to sign if you are renting property for business purposes. This agreement outlines the rights and expectations ..read more

When you go to work, you have the right to do your job in an environment that is free from harassment and other types of mistreatment. You should not be subject to discrimination on any basis and for any reason, including your age. Unfortunately, however, older employees do sometimes experience discriminatory treatment from their employers and co-workers. If you think you are a victim, you do not have to remain silent.   It is not always easy to determine if what you are experiencing counts as discrimination. It may be helpful for you to understand the types of behaviors that count a ..read more