From Dow Jones & Company:

1. A reader seeks advice on whether an unmarried sister in Hawaii needs a will. The Moneyist explains that without a will, her estate goes to their mother as Hawaii intestate laws view half-siblings the same as full siblings. The article outlines a probate process for assets totaling over $100,000 and suggests setting up a trust for privacy and control over assets after death.

2. The article also points out that many Americans do not have an estate plan like the reader’s sister. The Moneyist’s advice emphasizes the importance of making financial decisions before an unexpected situation happens and creating a will to maintain confidentiality. The bottom line is everyone has the right to specify how their possessions should be distributed after they pass away.

3. The Moneyist invites readers to send financial and ethical inquiries via email while providing previous editions related to wills and inheritance. It also mentions an ongoing debate in the private Facebook group for further discussions.



Read more: My sister owns properties in Hawaii, yet refuses to make a will. If she dies, will our half-sibling inherit anything?