2025 Big Island, Hawaii

Breakfast Buffet in the Wailana Garden for paid Attorneys attending the CLE sessions

Estate Planning & Probate – If You Fail to Plan You are Planning to Fail. It is estimated that over three-quarters (75%) of the US adult population does not have a Will in 2025, let alone a full estate plan.  The most commonly cited reason for not having estate planning in place is procrastination.  Without a will or other estate plan in place, upon death, assets are distributed according to the state’s intestate succession laws.  Regardless of the area in which you practice, as counselors, it is imperative that we encourage clients to protect themselves and their families to stop thinking and start doing!  This session will address the areas of estate planning that will have the largest impact on the majority of clients and walk through the probate process.

Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—if you know where to start. This interactive session covers the essential building blocks of effective estate planning, including terminology, key documents, and decision-making frameworks. We’ll break down the differences between wills and trusts, clarify when and why each is appropriate, and explore the importance of powers of attorney. You’ll also learn about other planning tools that help clients protect their assets, honor their wishes, and prepare for the unexpected. Whether you’re new to estate planning or need a practical refresher, this session will help you move from theory to confident action.

15-Minute Break with Refreshments for CLE attendees

Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—if you know where to start. This interactive session covers the essential building blocks of effective estate planning, including terminology, key documents, and decision-making frameworks. We’ll break down the differences between wills and trusts, clarify when and why each is appropriate, and explore the importance of powers of attorney. You’ll also learn about other planning tools that help clients protect their assets, honor their wishes, and prepare for the unexpected. Whether you’re new to estate planning or need a practical refresher, this session will help you move from theory to confident action.

Probate often gets a bad reputation—but understanding the process can turn it from a dreaded ordeal into a manageable legal pathway. This session examines why probate is viewed negatively, how the process varies across different states, and what attorneys need to know to guide clients effectively. We’ll also explore ancillary probate, alternative procedures, and practical strategies to minimize delays and complications. Gain insights that will help you support clients during one of life’s most challenging transitions with clarity and confidence.

Lunch for paid Attorneys attending the CLE sessions

The planned and proper transfer of assets generationally is determinative in wealth creation. There may be negative consequences of improperly transferring certain assets such as real estate, retirement accounts, and firearms. When a loved one passes away, it may put financial strain on their loved ones. An average funeral in 2025 costs between $7,000 and $12,000. When finances are an issue, relatives may be left to figure out how to navigate the distribution of property and the probate process without the benefit of legal assistance. For many, it creates a set of untenable circumstances that may create personal liability or have lasting negative consequences. In this session, we will examine a prospective client who comes to Fictional Firm for advice after receiving a civil complaint related to her father’s residence and land she, acting as the executor of his estate, sold after he passed away. She also brought in a federal criminal summons for violations of 18 U.S.C § 922 (d) of the Gun Control Act and certain other ancillary charges. Through discussions and collaboration, we will explore the unintended consequences of an executor who improperly transferred property from an estate because prospective client lacked access to resources, mentors and professionals and had a general lack of understanding of the process. We will form a plan to assist prospective client on the matters presented and on potential related future matters using practical strategies that any firm could implement.

OPTIONAL ADD-ON–Join us weekly for an incredible feast of the islandʻs finest cuisine, sourced land to sea on Hawaiʻi Island. Indulge in local favorites such as ahi poke, teriyaki chicken, and coffee-rubbed roast striploin – all served in an extensive buffet. Watch a traditional imu ceremony, as it begins in the early morning with the placing of the pig under banana leaves, ti plants, and hot rocks. Return in the evening to watch the uncovering of the underground oven and learn more about this traditional cooking method. Enjoy the complimentary welcome cocktail, keiki buffet, and fabulous desserts.