HRS 0536- ANNOTATIONS

For present provisions, see Uniform Probate Code, chapter 560.

Provisions of any nature in a will do not disable testator from subsequently disposing otherwise of any of his property. 5 H. 146, 149; 6 H. 124. Dower right is paramount. 10 H. 687; 14 H. 142. Restraints against alienation are void. 6 H. 694; 20 H. 57; 25 H. 561.

Spendthrift wardship does not incapacitate. 3 H. 519. Presumption is in favor of testamentary capacity. 25 H. 197, 201; 31 H. 259.

Specific performance lies to enforce after death the agreement of adoptive parent to convey or devise to child certain real estate upon consideration of the child obeying lawful commands of parent. 8 H. 40. See also 27 H. 457; 26 H. 369.

Nature, form and contents: An instrument in form of deed conveying land from husband to wife, but witnessed as a will and declared by maker to be a will to take effect after death, was construed to be a will. 4 H. 513. See 5 H. 150; 5 H. 296; 5 H. 330; 5 H. 484; 5 H. 632; 6 H. 124; 6 H. 367. Partial invalidity does not necessarily defeat entire will. 27 H. 136. Mistake, undue influence, and fraud: Testator may make an unnatural will if he does so freely and with a sound mind. 15 H. 435, 458. As to undue influence and time of its operation, see 2 H. 400, 405; 2 H. 649, 655; 15 H. 435, 438, 440, 444; 23 H. 149; 26 H. 147, 151; 26 H. 538, 540. Revocation and revival: By subsequent marriage. 32 H. 826.

In general: Due admission of will to probate is conclusive as to validity of will and its contents. 1 H. 503. See 4 H. 513; 6 H. 367. Probate refused when shown document did not express will of testator. 2 H. 400. Burden of proof is on proponent. 2 H. 400; 2 H. 649. Grounds for refusing or revoking probate: Failure to provide for child is no ground. 3 H. 64; 3 H. 141. Holographic and unattested. 1 H. 297; 10 H. 80; 34 H. 922. Fraud. 1 H. 503; 2 H. 699; 3 H. 64; 3 H. 722; 5 H. 150; 6 H. 1; 9 H. 1; 10 H. 188; 17 H. 308. Undue influence. 2 H. 649; 15 H. 435; 23 H. 149; 26 H. 147; 26 H. 538. Trial practice and evidence. 2 H. 165; 2 H. 400; 2 H. 469; 6 H. 1; 10 H. 188; 17 H. 308; 26 H. 186; 29 H. 297; 29 H. 455. Probate does not determine validity and effect of all provisions. 27 H. 136. Probate of lost or destroyed wills. 5 H. 10; 6 H. 172. Foreign wills. 32 H. 826.

Jurisdiction, limitation and laches: Provisions limiting time for probate do not apply to ancillary probate of nonresident wills. 10 H. 80. Will not probated within statutory period is ineffective against heirs. 5 H. 632. Jurisdiction of probate court continues until executor has made final settlement. 31 H. 163. Probate court has very limited jurisdiction to construe wills and where claims are of purely legal interests. 24 H. 148. Will cannot confer jurisdiction on judge but he acts by virtue of the law. 24 H. 536. Probate court has jurisdiction to set aside decree admitting a will to probate. 5 H. 150; 25 H. 70. See 29 H. 297.

Parties and process: Probate of will after notice as required by law is in nature of judgment in rem. 25 H. 70. To maintain a contest, contestant must prove he is heir-at-law of decedent. 5 H. 288; 7 H. 640; 9 H. 520; 34 H. 161. See 9 H. 1. Minors. 5 H. 10; 29 H. 297.

Judgment or decree: Judgment and certificate of probate covers all questions of validity and is conclusive on all parties until revoked. 1 H. 503; 3 H. 799; 4 H. 513; 6 H. 367; 32 H. 167. Probate of will after notice as required by law is in nature of judgment in rem. 25 H. 70, 74. Obiter dictum as to legal effects not binding upon devisees. 6 H. 411. See also 30 H. 116. Devisees take title by and from will and not by virtue of decree of distribution. 24 H. 148, 152. Instruction that execution of will raises presumption of validity was not erroneous. 46 H. 127, 376 P.2d 125.

Review: Requirements necessary, and practice. 1 H. 503; 3 H. 614; 5 H. 288; 7 H. 640; 9 H. 253; 9 H. 520; 9 H. 610; 10 H. 25. See 10 H. 188; 25 H. 70; 26 H. 147, 150; 26 H. 186, 194; 29 H. 73.

Fees and costs: Counsel fees and expenses to unsuccessful appellants allowed under exceptional circumstances. 19 H. 415; 24 H. 573, 577. Allowable by probate judge in case of successful contest and direct benefit to estate. 26 H. 337. Counsel fees in proceedings for benefit of estate. 36 H. 686, 710. Fund affected by contest should bear expenses. 27 H. 602. Security for costs. 29 H. 455; 34 H. 376.

General rules: True intent, as gathered from all parts of will, is of first importance. 3 H. 421, 443; 6 H. 8, 10; 6 H. 228; 8 H. 392, 401; 10 H. 543, 545; 11 H. 47, 51; 12 H. 104, 108, 117; 12 H. 375, 379; 13 H. 319; 18 H. 52, 70, aff'd 211 U.S. 321, 330; 21 H. 619, 622; 22 H. 233, 238-240; 22 H. 510, 513; 22 H. 644, 647; 25 H. 22, 30; 28 H. 590, reversed on other grounds 26 F.2d 609; 29 H. 474; 29 H. 854; 30 H. 246; 30 H. 217; 31 H. 92; 31 H. 535; 59 F.2d 681; 61 F.2d 598. Extrinsic evidence of intention as an independent fact is inadmissible to supply any material provision or omission by mistake. 24 H. 230, 237. Facts and circumstances at date of death. 5 H. 146, 149; 26 H. 219, 229; 31 H. 259. In case of irreconcilable clauses, the latter will generally prevail and, in case of inconsistent general and specific provisions, the specific will prevail, but this rule does not apply where a contrary intent has been manifested. 21 H. 499, 505; 22 H. 233, 240; 22 H. 510, 514. A conflict between two provisions is not to be regarded as irreconcilable unless harmony is found impossible. 23 H. 317. "Die without a child", or "without leaving any issue", are somewhat ambiguous and may mean "without having had a child", or "without leaving any issue surviving", according to testator's intent as gathered from context. See 10 H. 547; 12 H. 375. Omissions in a will cannot be supplied by parol proof of intentions; declarations of testator are admissible only if there is a latent ambiguity. 22 H. 644, 650. Technical words will be subordinated to intent of testator. 23 H. 747, 752, aff'd 255 F. 732; 27 H. 462, 463. Technical words will be so construed, unless context shows a clear intent to contrary. 23 H. 747, aff'd 255 F. 732. Greater latitude is allowed in construing technical words in wills than in deeds. 24 H. 298, 306.

Common-law rules for construction of wills should not be followed where to follow them would result in overriding manifest intention of testator. 12 H. 375; 8 H. 392. Striking out and inserting words where clear mistake. 12 H. 375; 22 H. 644. Estates by implication. 15 H. 76; 22 H. 34; 36 H. 314. Will of nonresident disposing of real estate here is governed by our law. 21 H. 556. Presumption against intestacy. 28 H. 590, reversed on other grounds 26 F.2d 609; 29 H. 359. Intention must control where manifest and unambiguous and not contrary to some rule of law and not against public policy. 33 H. 666; 33 H. 799; 34 H. 333.

Designation of devisees and legatees and their respective shares: Remainder to "heirs" means statutory heirs, which would include his widow where remainderman left no children; if he left children widow is not an "heir". 8 H. 392, 463; 10 H. 687, 695. A devise to "my children who shall be living at my decease" excludes all but class designated. 23 H. 213; 29 H. 278. Beneficiaries take per capita in equal shares. 23 H. 317; 29 H. 359. Devises to a class-time of ascertainment of members of class. 31 H. 1; 59 F.2d 681; 31 H. 418. See 32 H. 32, aff'd 61 F.2d 598. "Heirs-at-law". 41 H. 249. "Heirs". 42 H. 129. "Wish", "issue". 42 H. 640. "Keiki". 47 H. 610, 393 P.2d 753. An indefinite devise followed by a limitation over upon death of devisee ordinarily creates a life estate in first taker. 11 H. 101; 12 H. 19; 13 H. 196, 200. In a given case whether devise is in fee simple or for life only, is to be ascertained from will taken as a whole. 21 H. 619, 622; 22 H. 233, 240. For exceptions to statute of uses. See 5 H. 146; 14 H. 138, 140; 22 H. 51, 57. See also 26 H. 809, 815. Life tenants and remaindermen--Rule in Howe v. Earl of Dartmouth. 26 H. 1. "Nephew and nieces" includes half-blood. 33 H. 299.

Bequest or devise to two or more creates tenancy in common unless intention to create joint tenancy is clearly manifested. 2 H. 233; 8 H. 392; 23 H. 685. Gift to relatives includes those of half-blood as well as of whole blood unless different intention manifested. 33 H. 299. Word "children" generally means immediate offspring and does not include grandchildren. 23 H. 213; 27 H. 462; 29 H. 278.

Survivorship, representation and substitution: 15 H. 76, 97, 98; 25 H. 22, 32. A remainder contingent upon remainderman surviving first taker, with provision that interest passes by will upon death of first taker to remainderman's heirs if he deceases prior to first taker, extinguishes for all purposes remainderman's interest upon his failure to survive first taker and passes property to his heirs free from his incumbrances upon death of first taker. 23 H. 537. Assignee. 30 H. 500, aff'd 31 F.2d 641. Clause substituting children in event of death of beneficiary refers to death in lifetime of testator. 39 H. 619. "Heirs and assigns" are words of limitation, not substitution. 43 H. 304, aff'd 282 F.2d 431. Distribution under will to "my surviving children" upon death of any of such surviving children. 43 H. 391.

Description of property: A gift of "all other property owned by me", after devising property situated at a certain place, does not call for the application of the ejusdem generis rule. 18 H. 265, aff'd 214 U.S. 108. See 29 H. 854. As to distinct classification of personalty. See 30 H. 217. A bequest of rentals from property distinctly designated cannot be enlarged to include rents from adjoining property. 10 H. 77. See 29 H. 815. A devise of "all that piece and parcel of land" carries the fee. 14 H. 142. See 13 H. 196. Latent ambiguity in description. 4 H. 82; 13 H. 319. Gift of all dividends and profits of stock for life does not pass stock dividend which must be apportioned. 35 H. 747.

Nature of estates and interest created: Provision for exclusive benefit of a donee for life, with no direction to use it for any other purpose, is an absolute gift--a vested interest--which may be assigned. 3 H. 421, 443; 6 H. 8. Annuity to heirs to follow a life estate is vested in heirs and inheritable and assignable. 25 H. 174; 28 H. 590, reversed on other grounds 26 F.2d 609. A condition against alienation following a devise in fee is void. 6 H. 694. An estate created by devise, without a limitation to "heirs", is an estate of inheritance. 6 H. 694. Devise to wife with provision that at her death devised property pass to others does not come within rule in Shelley's case, and creates a life estate only. 6 H. 692. See 10 H. 543; 10 H. 547, 551; 11 H. 101; 12 H. 19; 12 H. 104; 13 H. 196, 200; 21 H. 619; 22 H. 233, 240; 22 H. 510; 29 H. 815. As to a provision recognizing right of disposition. See 8 H. 391. As to personal estates. See 7 H. 694; 9 H. 88. Rule in Shelley's case definitely repudiated in Hawaii. 8 H. 392, 402; 12 H. 375, 389; 13 H. 196; 19 H. 78; 21 H. 74. As to fee simple defeasible, executory devises, and indefeasible estates. See 10 H. 543; 10 H. 547; 11 H. 47. See also 235 U.S. 342, reversing 201 F. 224; 12 H. 19; 12 H. 104; 12 H. 375. Devise of right of residence creates no transmissible estate. 3 H. 592. A devise to beneficiaries to enjoy a certain home, free of rent, for a definite time is an estate for years, and not a mere devise to occupy the premises, and carries with it certain rights and obligations mentioned in. 24 H. 388. Gift of income of property is gift of the property itself. 14 H. 378; 21 H. 499, 505; 21 H. 619, 622; 29 H. 815. An annuity legacy constitutes claim against all assets, having priority to any claim or incumbrance within power of residuary legatee to create. 24 H. 419, 420; 24 H. 443. Annuities discussed. 23 H. 685; 25 H. 327. Estates tail and fee simple conditional cannot exist in Hawaii; construed as fee simple estates, or life estates with remainder over. 12 H. 375, 391, 394; 20 H. 372; 21 H. 699, aff'd 242 U.S. 612; 23 H. 537, 539; 23 H. 747, aff'd 255 F. 732; 25 H. 561. See also 24 H. 298, 303. A devise of "all that piece and parcel of land", though without words of inheritance, carries the fee. 6 H. 694; 10 H. 547, 551; 11 H. 47, 50; 13 H. 196; 13 H. 499; 14 H. 142; 21 H. 619, 621; 22 H. 233, 239. See also, notes under description of property. "Heirs" in deed, see discussion. 32 H. 769, (re construction see also, 283 U.S. 231). "Nephews and nieces". 33 H. 299. Time. 34 H. 131. Words of purchase or limitation. See 14 H. 271; 21 H. 74; 23 H. 685.

Vested or contingent estates and interest: Devise in fee subject to prior life estate creates by will a vested remainder, fixed upon death of testator. 3 H. 233. See 25 H. 174. Sound policy and practical convenience requires that titles should be vested at earliest period, unless otherwise intended by clear expression. 28 H. 590 reversed on other grounds 26 F.2d 609. But see 31 H. 1. Executory devises are capable of being assigned or conveyed by deed and transmitted by will of person entitled thereto, or by inheritance and succession to his heirs or personal representatives; he may also by his acts release to first taker in possession and estop and bar his aim for all time. 12 H. 104, 117. Equitable estates are governed by same rules as legal estates. 28 H. 590, reversed on other grounds 26 F.2d 609. As to contingent executory devises and contingent interests. See 14 H. 378; 18 H. 34, 45, aff'd 216 U.S. 367. A vested remainder in fee defeasible by a subsequent condition, becomes absolute in devisee when condition becomes impossible of performance. 23 H. 338; 239 F. 450. See 31 H. 535. Contingent remainders alienable, descendible. 31 H. 418. See 34 H. 25; 35 H. 501; 35 H. 689; 35 H. 795. Vested. 39 H. 619.

Conditions and restrictions: All conditions repugnant to the full enjoyment of an absolute gift are void, and restrictions by will on use and enjoyment of a legacy must be clearly expressed in order to be effective, and are not inferable from mere statement of testator's object. 3 H. 421, 437; 6 H. 694; 20 H. 433, 441. See 20 H. 372, 377; 20 H. 57, 59. See also, 32 H. 323. By appropriate language a devise in fee may be restricted to a life estate. 9 H. 88, 91. Bequest held to create a condition subsequent and not a trust. 32 H. 489. Restraints on marriage. 3 H. 567. See 6 H. 72. Postponement of vesting or enjoyment. 10 H. 88; 28 H. 590. Restraint on alienation. 20 H. 433. Survivorship. 31 H. 535.

Estates in trust: No particular form of expression is necessary to create a trust, nor is it necessary that title be given in express terms to trustee. 3 H. 421; 5 H. 146; 30 H. 246; 32 H. 769. Mandatory duties imposed by will upon trustee must be complied with. 4 H. 162; 4 H. 381; 8 H. 640; 26 H. 219. Perpetuity rule. 10 H. 88; 18 H. 52, aff'd 211 U.S. 321; 20 H. 433; 21 H. 556; 32 H. 323; 34 H. 288. Statute of uses. 3 H. 421; 5 H. 146; 11 H. 47; 14 H. 138; 16 H. 294; 18 H. 179; 19 H. 52; 22 H. 51; 26 H. 809; 28 H. 29; 30 H. 246; 32 H. 769.

Interests of life tenants and remaindermen. 3 H. 421; 3 H. 567; 8 H. 392; 10 H. 77; 12 H. 284; 14 H. 505; 18 H. 34, aff'd 216 U.S. 367; 18 H. 342, aff'd 216 U.S. 367; 19 H. 337; 21 H. 74; 21 H. 619; 23 H. 317; 23 H. 651; 23 H. 685; 25 H. 22; 26 H. 219; 29 H. 474; 30 H. 246; 32 H. 32, aff'd 61 F.2d 598; 34 H. 131; 35 H. 13; 35 H. 104, aff'd 115 F.2d 956; 35 H. 795; 36 H. 614. Apportionment of dividends. 12 H. 309; 16 H. 185; 23 H. 651; 28 H. 590, reversed on other grounds 26 F.2d 609; 34 H. 137; 35 H. 689; 35 H. 747. Resulting trusts. 22 H. 34; 23 H. 201. Powers of appointment. 32 H. 32, aff'd 61 F.2d 598; 35 H. 59. Appointment of trustees. 33 H. 799. Powers. 34 H. 25; 36 H. 334. Charitable trusts. 36 H. 250. Construction. 35 H. 13; 35 H. 104, aff'd 115 F.2d 956. Rights of cestui as against trustee. 39 H. 619.

Actions to construe wills: Court of equity has no jurisdiction to construe a will where no trust is involved and claims are of strictly legal interest in lands. 15 H. 308, 312; 21 H. 196, 200; 24 H. 148, 150; 31 H. 259; 32 H. 786. See 16 H. 512, 514. An ambiguous will requiring litigation for construction calls for payment of costs and expenses from estate, preferably from general residue. 24 H. 573, 577. But rule not applicable when testator prescribes otherwise. 36 H. 686, 710. A contest between beneficiaries as to liability for inheritance tax will not warrant payment of attorney's fees out of estate. 24 H. 573; 34 H. 376. Implied disposition. 36 H. 314. Fees. 19 H. 415; 23 H. 245; 23 H. 694; 24 H. 573; 26 H. 498; 27 H. 602; 34 H. 376; 36 H. 686, 710. Testator's intent manifested from will as a whole will prevail notwithstanding conflict with particular provisions. 48 H. 552, 406 P.2d 718. Presumption against intestacy. Id.

In general: Devise to wife "for her sole use and benefit during her lifetime, and at her death whatever there is remaining to be divided equally between my children", authorizes widow to diminish estate for her support and maintenance. 8 H. 639. Title to real estate vests at once on death of owner in owner's heirs or devisees, and without an order of court. 24 H. 148. Annuities, as well as dower, not subject to inheritance tax. 25 H. 108, 120, aff'd 281 F. 609. See 32 H. 51. Acts effecting defeasance of title must be strictly in accordance with intention of devisor as expressed in his will. 30 H. 500, aff'd 31 F.2d 641. Legacies are payable within one year from testator's death. 9 H. 342; 9 H. 492, 495. Multiple legacies may be cumulative or substitutional, according to intent of testator. 9 H. 492, 496. A provision that trustees pay income of estate to beneficiaries entitles them to income only after discharge of executors. 18 H. 34, aff'd 216 U.S. 367. Apportionment. 35 H. 501; 35 H. 689; 35 H. 795. "Free and clear of all taxes". See 36 H. 482.

Specific, demonstrative and general devises and bequests: Legacy by creditor to his debtor is not treated as presumptive release of the debt unless there is some special ground for presuming that such must have been intention of testator. 3 H. 802. As to conflict between specific and general devise. See 22 H. 233, 240; 22 H. 510, 514. See 30 H. 680; 36 H. 482.

Advancements, ademption, satisfaction and lapses: Executors could not retain income payable quarterly as a bequest, in order to enforce payment of a note made to testator by legatee in the state of California. 3 H. 802. Advancement. 32 H. 489. Ademption. 33 H. 846. Implied disposition. 36 H. 314.

Election: Dower, acceleration. 22 H. 510; 23 H. 317; 25 H. 108, 120, aff'd 281 F. 609.

Abatement: Devises charged with liability to pay debts of estate and certain specific bequests exonerate all other devises and bequests from such charges. 5 H. 625.

Legacies charged on property, estate, or interest: Nature and extent of charge and property or interest liable therefore. 5 H. 625; 24 H. 443; 31 H. 92. Apportionment. 35 H. 501; 35 H. 689; 35 H. 795. General legacies, when payable out of residuary realty. 46 H. 436, 382 P.2d 61.

Debts of testator and incumbrances on property: Legacy to widow of one-third of personal property, payable in cash within two years, but limited to revenues from income and sale of personal property, was properly paid from cash on hand and income from all sources. 18 H. 34, 41, aff'd 216 U.S. 367. Specific devises take precedence generally over residuary devises. Rule for application of assets to pay debts. 5 H. 625. Direction to pay. 33 H. 666.

Void and lapsed devises and bequests and property undisposed of: Devise of an annuity to cease upon marriage is not void as in restraint of marriage. 3 H. 567. Where will is limited in operation to a part only of testator's estate, general administration will be granted of remainder as of an intestate estate. 4 H. 513. See 23 H. 11. Presumption against partial intestacy, strong one. 14 H. 378, 382; 22 H. 510, 515; 28 H. 590, reversed on other grounds 26 F.2d 609. Heirs at law, time of fixing. 34 H. 131.

Rights and remedies of creditors of devisees and legatees: Relative obligations of life tenants and remaindermen. 26 H. 417, 422. Equitable and legal interests seizable by alien property custodian under Act of Congress of October 6, 1917, and executive orders. 28 H. 590, reversed 26 F.2d 609.

Fees: 34 H. 376.