HI HCR97

Requests the Hawaii State Bar Association to require attorneys handling divorces, annulments, or terminations of reciprocal beneficiary relationships to provide clients with written information explaining how section 560:2-804, Hawaii Revised Statutes affects their probate and non-probate property interests.

Requires clients to sign the informational document provided by their attorney, which must be filed with any divorce complaint, annulment petition, or declaration of termination of reciprocal beneficiary relationship.

Directs the Hawaii State Bar Association to submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2013 Regular Session detailing progress on implementing this requirement for bar members, particularly those practicing family law.

Addresses the situation where individuals may wish to retain their former spouse or reciprocal beneficiary as a beneficiary on life insurance policies or other property dispositions despite the legal termination of the relationship.

Mandates transmission of certified copies of the resolution to the Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice, the Administrative Director of the Courts, and the Hawaii State Bar Association President and Executive Director.