Is Hawaii a community property state?
No. Hawaii divides property in divorce under HRS § 580-47, which directs the court to make an order that appears just and equitable after weighing the respective merits of the parties, their relative abilities, and the condition each will be left in. There is no presumption of equal ownership to fall back on, so the fair market value assigned to contested vehicles, art, or a business shapes the split directly.
Can a Hawaii personal representative use an outside appraiser for probate assets?
Yes. HRS § 560:3-707 lets the personal representative employ a qualified and disinterested appraiser for any asset whose value may be subject to reasonable doubt, with different appraisers for different kinds of assets, and the appraiser's name and address appear on the inventory next to the items appraised.
Does Hawaii license personal property appraisers?
No. Hawaii licenses appraisers of real property only; there is no Hawaii license, exam, or education requirement for appraisers of art, jewelry, equipment, or vehicles. Our appraisers work to USPAP and hold credentials with organizations such as ASA, ISA, and AAA.