HRS §560:3-409
Court decides if a will is valid and who inherits
After required notices and hearings, the court decides where the deceased lived, who their heirs are, and whether they left a valid will. If the will is valid and not revoked, it is officially approved. If the court is not sure the person is dead, the case is dismissed or changed.
courtsheirspersonal representatives
The statute, as written — Formal testacy proceedings; order; foreign will
After the time required for any notice has expired, upon proof of notice, and after any hearing that may be necessary, if the court finds that the testator is dead, venue is proper and that the proceeding was commenced within the limitation prescribed by section 560:3-108, it shall determine the decedent's domicile at death, the decedent's heirs and the decedent's state of testacy. Any will found to be valid and unrevoked shall be formally probated. Termination of any previous informal appointment of a personal representative, which may be appropriate in view of the relief requested and findings, is governed by section 560:3-612. The petition shall be dismissed or appropriate amendment allowed if the court is not satisfied that the alleged decedent is dead. A will from a place which does not provide for probate of a will after death, may be proved for probate in this State by a duly authenticated certificate of its legal custodian that the copy introduced is a true copy and that the will has become effective under the law of the other place.
Sections this one refers to
§560:3-108 Deadlines for starting probate or will-validity cases
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