The loss of a loved one is a very emotional and stressful time for family members. When there is no estate plan in place, this can result in disagreements and the court may ultimately decide how assets are distributed. That is why it is important to have an experienced estate planning lawyer to work for you.
Attorney Hongo helps families make sense of complex probate and estate planning issues. She has a thorough understanding of the laws that apply to these matters and can guide you through the complicated process of documentation, distribution of assets and legal proceedings to ensure your goals are met.
Many people don’t like to think about what will happen after they die. Having a plan in place can help avoid legal problems in the future and ensure that your final wishes are honored.
Attorney Hongo is ready to meet with you to work on a plan that meets the needs of you and your family.
Many of our clients live in Japan and own property and other assets in Hawaii and New York. Arranging for the distribution of these assets requires an American attorney. Estate law is very different in the United States, and people in Japan also experience language and cultural barriers that can make estate planning difficult.
Attorney Hongo helps clients bridge those barriers. She has lived and worked in both countries and is fluent in both English and Japanese. As an experienced estate planning lawyer, she helps U.S. residents and non-residents prepare trusts, Transfer on Death Deed and other estate planning documents. She can also guide families through the probate process.
Hongo Law Office regularly receives referrals from banks, accountants, lawyers and other professionals in Japan and the U.S. Attorney Hongo is also a licensed Notary Public in Hawaii, and an IRS CAA (Acceptance Agent), who can obtain the ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for foreign nationals.
A graduate of Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, Attorney Hongo is a licensed attorney in Hawaii, New York, California, and the District of Columbia. Born in Japan, she came to the United States as a young child and was raised in a bilingual setting. Professionally, she has extensive experience working in both languages, including complicated legal transactions.
Spending time in both Japan and the United States, Attorney Hongo saw what can happen when a loved one dies without an estate plan in place. Assets can be tied up in court for months. She guides families through the probate process in Hawaii and New York, and helps people create appropriate and effective estate plans to make sure their wishes are followed.
Attorney Hongo typically travels to Japan twice a year, where she meets with clients and gives seminars on effective estate planning. She uses her knowledge of estate law, her bilingual skills and her understanding of both cultures to help residents and non-residents of the U.S. plan ahead to avoid future problems.
About Attorney HongoIt was our long-term goal to prepare a trust for our family. We are now able to take the next step in our lives, as Ms. Hongo applied her proficient bilingual skills to efficiently take care of our matter. We are very grateful for what she did for us.
– A.P., HonoluluOur law firm helps clients with matters involving estate planning and probate. Many people aren’t sure what to do in these situations, especially after a loved one dies. The laws are complicated and it can be difficult to get answers, especially for clients who live in Japan. Attorney Hongo meets with clients to determine their needs and guides them through the legal process every step of the way.
Attorney Hongo is ready to discuss your legal situation and how she can help. Contact us to schedule a consultation. She can meet with clients in person at her Honolulu and New York offices or during one of her annual visits to Japan. She is also available for phone and video conferencing consultations.
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