Hawaii Transfer on Death Revocation

In 2011, Hawaii enacted its version of the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act (URPTODA), found at Chapter 527 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Along with Hawaii, a growing number of states are choosing to adopt the provisions of the URPTODA. The new law allows landowners to direct the distribution of what is often their most significant asset, their real estate, with a correctly executed and recorded transfer on death deed (TODD).

Transfer on death deeds are nontestamentary, which means ownership of the property passes to the beneficiary without instructions in a will or the need for probate (5277). Unnecessary conflicts are likely to add confusion and expense, so property owners should ensure that their wills and TODDs contain the same instructions.

The named beneficiary gains no present rights to the property, only a potential future interest. Instead, the transferors retain absolute control during their lives. This includes the freedom to use the property in any lawful manner, to sell or transfer it to someone else, and to modify or revoke the intended transfer on death (52712). These details, along with the fact that TODDs only convey the property rights remaining, if any, at the owner's death, explain why they do not require notice to or consideration from the beneficiaries (52710).

Revocation is an important feature of transfer on death deeds because it allows the owner to easily respond to a change in circumstances. At 52711, the statute outlines the three methods available for changing or revoking a recorded transfer on death deed, by executing and recording:

- a new TODD
- a revocation form
- a deed (example: warranty deed) that conveys title to someone else and expressly revokes all or part of the TODD

To preserve a clear chain of title, it makes sense to file a revocation form when changing a previously recorded transfer on death deed or selling the property outright. This extra step will add an end point for the potential transfer, simplifying future title searches prior to selling or mortgaging the property.

Since each circumstance is unique, contact an attorney with specific questions or for complex situations.

Deeds.com Hawaii Transfer on Death Revocation Forms Have Been Updated as Recently as Wednesday July 31, 2019

4.7 out of 5 (779 Reviews)

What others like you are saying:

Lillian F. said: I LOVE THE EASE OF GETTING THE INFORMATION I REQUESTED. YOUR SERVICE IS MORE THAN WHAT I EXPECTED.

Reply from Staff: We appreciate your business and value your feedback. Thank you. Have a wonderful day!

David M. said: Why is Dade County not listed for the Lady Bird Deed?

Reply from Staff: Because on November 13, 1997, voters changed the name of the county from Dade to Miami-Dade.

Suzy I. said: I was overwhelmed with information about what forms I needed to complete the probate process, and this site was very helpful! Everything was in one place to download. Thanks!

Reply from Staff: We appreciate your business and value your feedback. Thank you. Have a wonderful day!

Dreama R. said: Awesome! I had to correct a quit claim deed and the form on your site made it very easy. Thank you

Reply from Staff: We appreciate your business and value your feedback. Thank you. Have a wonderful day!

John B. said: Forms are as advertised and easy to access.

Reply from Staff: Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it. Have a great day!

Jann H. said: Was helpful information

Reply from Staff: Thank you!