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HRS §560:2-703

Which state's law controls a legal document

This section says that the meaning and legal effect of a legal document (like a will or trust) are decided by the law of the state chosen in that document. However, that law will not apply if it conflicts with certain Hawaii rules about a spouse's share, exempt property, or other important public policies.

everyone

The statute, as written — Choice of law as to meaning and effect of governing instrument

The meaning and legal effect of a governing instrument is determined by the local law of the state selected in the governing instrument, unless the application of that law is contrary to the provisions relating to the elective share described in part 2, the provisions relating to exempt property and allowances described in part 4, the provisions relating to the burden of proof in section 560:3-407, or any other public policy of this State otherwise applicable to the disposition.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§560:3-407 Who must prove what in a will or inheritance dispute

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.