---
title: "Hawaii Executor Checklist: First 30 Days | MCC Solutions"
description: "Hawaii executor checklist: first 30 days, up to $100,000 small estate limit, notarized affidavit, 2 will witnesses, official court links."
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/hawaii-executor-checklist"
---

Executor checklist · Hawaii

# Hawaii executor and estate paperwork checklist

The first 30 days, the small estate route, the will at probate, and the official pages to ask, from this state's own court and statute pages.

**Quick answer.** In the first 30 days, an executor in Hawaii orders certified death certificates, finds the original will, secures the home, car and mail, lists what the person owned and owed, and holds off on paying debts until it's clear who has authority. For the small estate route, Hawaii's official pages give a limit of up to $100,000 and a notarized affidavit; the paperwork goes to the bank or other holder.

✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials)

**Short answer.** Hawaii: up to $100,000 small estate limit; notarized affidavit; handed to the bank or holder; 2 will witnesses; self-proving affidavit allowed. 11 of 11 state facts below are confirmed on official pages.

**This is an organizer, not legal advice.** An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation.

## The first 30 days

Work down the list; nothing you tick is saved or sent. The steps are general, the dates come from the official pages.

- **Get several certified copies of the death certificate**The funeral home can usually order them, or the vital records office can. Each bank, insurer and pension plan may ask for its own.
- **Check that Social Security has been told**The funeral home usually reports it. Otherwise call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), and ask about the $255 lump-sum death payment for a surviving spouse or some children.
- **Track down the will**Check the home, a safe deposit box and the lawyer who drafted it. Leave the original exactly as you found it and work from copies.
- **Look at the last pages of the will**A sworn statement signed by the witnesses before an officer may be attached; what this state says about it is below.
- **Protect the property**Change locks if keys are out, keep insurance paid, and have the mail forwarded so bills and statements reach you.
- **Don't pay bills or hand out belongings yet**First learn which route fits and who is allowed to act; ask the probate office or an attorney about anything urgent.
- **Put the power of attorney away**A power of attorney ends at the principal's death. Whoever was the agent no longer signs for the person.
- **Start an inventory**Every account, property, vehicle and debt, with how each is held. Beneficiary and joint accounts usually pass directly, not through the estate.
- **Compare the estate with $100,000**That's the small estate figure on this state's official page. Count only what the page says counts.
- **Open a simple money log**One line per payment or deposit, with the date, who, how much and the receipt. It makes the final accounting easy.
- **Once you have authority: EIN and an estate account**The IRS says you need an EIN before filing the estate's Form 1041, which is due if the estate has more than $600 of gross income in a year.

Sources for the federal steps: [Social Security Administration: When someone dies](https://ssa.gov/personal-record/when-someone-dies) · [IRS: Deceased taxpayers, filing the estate income tax return (Form 1041)](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/deceased-taxpayers-filing-the-estate-income-tax-return-form-1041) · power of attorney: [Power of attorney at a real estate closing](/notary/guides/power-of-attorney-at-a-real-estate-closing).

## The small estate route

- #### ConfirmedSmall estate limit Gross value of the estate in Hawaii up to $100,000, not counting vehicles, which may be transferred regardless of value. The section covers personal property only."does not exceed $100,000"Vehicles aren't counted toward this limit; they're handled separately.

Sources: [HRS 560:3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0003-1201.htm); [Hawaii State Judiciary form 3C-E-210, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent (8/2014)](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/docs/form/hawaii/3CE210.pdf); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Hawaii (Nolo, updated 4/25/2024)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/hawaii-probate-shortcuts-31956.html), checked November 2026

- #### ConfirmedReal estate Real estate isn't counted, and the affidavit doesn't transfer it; it needs its own route. Sources: [HRS 560:3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0003-1201.htm); [Hawaii State Judiciary form 3C-E-210, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent (8/2014)](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/docs/form/hawaii/3CE210.pdf); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Hawaii (Nolo, updated 4/25/2024)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/hawaii-probate-shortcuts-31956.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWaiting period after the death No waiting period: section 560:3-1201 sets none. The holder pays or transfers once shown a death certificate and the affidavit. Source: [HRS 560:3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0003-1201.htm), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedNotary or oath Signed before a notary. The Judiciary's form ends with a notary jurat."SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO BEFORE ME THIS DATE:" Source: [Hawaii State Judiciary form 3C-E-210, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent (8/2014)](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/docs/form/hawaii/3CE210.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWhere the paperwork goes Handed to the bank or other holder. Presented with the death certificate to the person who owes the debt or holds the property; no court filing."affidavit made by or on behalf of the claimed successor or successors" Sources: [HRS 560:3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0003-1201.htm); [Hawaii State Judiciary form 3C-E-210, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent (8/2014)](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/docs/form/hawaii/3CE210.pdf); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Hawaii (Nolo, updated 4/25/2024)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/hawaii-probate-shortcuts-31956.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedOfficial form Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent (3C-E-210). The Hawaii State Judiciary's form. Source: [Hawaii State Judiciary form 3C-E-210, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent (8/2014)](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/docs/form/hawaii/3CE210.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedSimplified court procedure Summary administration: As Nolo's summary describes it: a probate case is opened in probate court as usual, and if the estate qualifies, the personal representative distributes the property without notifying creditors and then files a closing statement. Source: [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Hawaii (Nolo, updated 4/25/2024)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/hawaii-probate-shortcuts-31956.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWorth knowing The statute gives the Department of Human Services' affidavit priority over other claims under the section. Sources: [HRS 560:3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0003-1201.htm); [Hawaii State Judiciary form 3C-E-210, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent (8/2014)](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/docs/form/hawaii/3CE210.pdf); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Hawaii (Nolo, updated 4/25/2024)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/hawaii-probate-shortcuts-31956.html), checked November 2026

## The will at probate

When the will goes to the court, these signing rules are what it is checked against.

- #### ConfirmedWitnesses the will needed Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the acknowledgment."Signed by at least two individuals" Sources: [HRS 560:2-502, Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills (Hawaii Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0502.htm); [HRS 560:2-501, Who may make will (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0501.htm); [HRS 560:2-504, Self-proved will (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0504.htm); [HRS 560:2-505, Who may witness (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0505.htm); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Hawaii (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/hawaii-make-will-32164.html); [Justia (statute text) (secondary source): HRS 560:2-516, Duty of custodian of will; liability (2020 Hawaii Revised Statutes, Justia statute text)](https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2020/title-30a/chapter-560/section-560-2-516/), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedSelf-proving affidavit Allowed at signing or any time later. The testator and witnesses sign before an officer authorized to administer oaths, under official seal."An attested will may be made self-proved at any time after its execution" Sources: [HRS 560:2-502, Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills (Hawaii Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0502.htm); [HRS 560:2-501, Who may make will (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0501.htm); [HRS 560:2-504, Self-proved will (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0504.htm); [HRS 560:2-505, Who may witness (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0505.htm); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Hawaii (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/hawaii-make-will-32164.html); [Justia (statute text) (secondary source): HRS 560:2-516, Duty of custodian of will; liability (2020 Hawaii Revised Statutes, Justia statute text)](https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2020/title-30a/chapter-560/section-560-2-516/), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedIf the will is handwritten Recognized if the signature and material parts are in the testator's handwriting. No witnesses needed. Sources: [HRS 560:2-502, Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills (Hawaii Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0502.htm); [HRS 560:2-501, Who may make will (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0501.htm); [HRS 560:2-504, Self-proved will (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0504.htm); [HRS 560:2-505, Who may witness (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0505.htm); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Hawaii (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/hawaii-make-will-32164.html); [Justia (statute text) (secondary source): HRS 560:2-516, Duty of custodian of will; liability (2020 Hawaii Revised Statutes, Justia statute text)](https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2020/title-30a/chapter-560/section-560-2-516/), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedA witness who inherits A will, or any part of it, isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it."The signing of a will by an interested witness does not invalidate the will or any provision of it" Sources: [HRS 560:2-502, Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills (Hawaii Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0502.htm); [HRS 560:2-501, Who may make will (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0501.htm); [HRS 560:2-504, Self-proved will (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0504.htm); [HRS 560:2-505, Who may witness (Hawaii State Legislature)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0505.htm); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Hawaii (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/hawaii-make-will-32164.html); [Justia (statute text) (secondary source): HRS 560:2-516, Duty of custodian of will; liability (2020 Hawaii Revised Statutes, Justia statute text)](https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2020/title-30a/chapter-560/section-560-2-516/), checked November 2026

## Want us to handle it?

We order certified records, pick up and deliver documents, get the small estate affidavit signed and notarized, and file papers near where the estate is, in any state. We are not lawyers.

**Price:** Quote-based, from $199 per job plus government and court fees at cost. Starting rates. Your exact price is quoted after we confirm a local notary/runner, before you pay.

[Ask for estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state#request)

## Documents to gather

- Pension, Social Security and benefit letters
- Safe deposit box location and keys
- Certified death certificates
- The original will and any codicils
- Deeds and mortgage statements
- Vehicle titles and registrations
- Recent bank, brokerage and retirement statements
- Life insurance policies and annuities
- The last few years of tax returns
- Recent bills, loan and credit card statements
- The official small estate form: Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent (3C-E-210)

## Who to notify

Landlord or mortgage servicer, Credit card companies, Pension or employer, Social Security (if the funeral home hasn't), Banks and credit unions, Brokerage and retirement accounts, Life insurance companies, Utilities and phone. A brief letter and a copy of the death certificate usually start each one; note the date and the person you reached.

## Documents needed abroad

- #### ConfirmedA death certificate needed abroad Apostilles for this state's documents come from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. $3 per document (money order, cash or cashier's check). Vital records: A new birth, death or marriage certificate with the Hawaii Department of Health's embossed seal; certificates issued before January 1, 2025 must be reordered. Source: [Office of the Lieutenant Governor](https://ltgov.hawaii.gov/application-for-apostille-or-certification-of-documents), checked November 2026

## Where to ask

An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Official pages for Hawaii:

- [Hawaii State Judiciary form 3C-E-210, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent (8/2014)](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/docs/form/hawaii/3CE210.pdf)
- [Probate Shortcuts in Hawaii (Nolo, updated 4/25/2024)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/hawaii-probate-shortcuts-31956.html)

Hawaii kit

## Hawaii Executor and Estate Kit

This checklist as printable Word and PDF files: a start-here guide, the first 30 days, the small estate route with its official links, a documents and accounts tracker, plain notification letters (bank, utilities, Social Security), and an Excel estate ledger for assets, debts, payments and distributions.

[Get the kit, $25](/toolkits/hi-executor-kit)

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Facts checked November 2026.

## Common questions

**Is there a small estate route in Hawaii?**

On the official pages we read: Gross value of the estate in Hawaii up to $100,000, not counting vehicles, which may be transferred regardless of value. The section covers personal property only. Handed to the bank or other holder. Presented with the death certificate to the person who owes the debt or holds the property; no court filing.

**How soon after the death can the Hawaii small estate paperwork be used?**

No waiting period: section 560:3-1201 sets none. The holder pays or transfers once shown a death certificate and the affidavit.

**Does the small estate paperwork in Hawaii need a notary?**

Signed before a notary. The Judiciary's form ends with a notary jurat.

**Is there an official Hawaii form?**

Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent (3C-E-210). The Hawaii State Judiciary's form. Link: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/docs/form/hawaii/3CE210.pdf

**How many witnesses did a will in Hawaii need?**

Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the acknowledgment.

**What about a self-proving affidavit in Hawaii?**

Allowed at signing or any time later. The testator and witnesses sign before an officer authorized to administer oaths, under official seal.

**Who answers questions about an estate in Hawaii?**

An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. The official pages behind this checklist: Hawaii State Judiciary form 3C-E-210, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent (8/2014).

Related: [Executor guide by state](/notary/executor-guide-by-state) · [Will signing requirements](/notary/will-signing-requirements-hawaii) · [Apostille steps](/notary/apostille-hawaii) · [Estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state)

## Family far from the estate?

[See estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)