team-member

Donna Payesko

N/A

Licensed for 21 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Estate Planning

Language

Spanish English

About

DONNA V. PAYESKO is Ohana Legacy Law. Donna began her law career in 1999 with Cole, Schotz, Meisel, Forman & Leonard, P.A. a large metropolitan New Jersey law firm where she coordinated the firm’s estate administration practice of 200+ probate matters.  After relocating to Hawaii in 2007, Donna was associated with the law firms of Jung & Vassar, P.C. and Darl C. Gleed & Associates.A passion to counsel her clients to a place of peace of mind is what led Donna to found Ohana Legacy Law in 2016. Donna prides herself on consistently offering a personalized approach to every case, and always strives to build long term relationships with her clients.Donna is active in the local West Hawaii community - she is a member of the Fire Commission of the County of Hawaii, the Chair of the Advisory Board for the West Hawaii Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation and attends Shorebreak Church. She frequently speaks to Big Island community groups about estate planning and elder law issues, and volunteers her legal expertise with the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii and the Kona Self Help Legal Center. She also is a past President of the West Hawaii Bar Association.Donna's most important calling is her family - her husband Rob, and their children Alex and Anna.  Donna enjoys organic gardening, growing food and cooking for her family.  

Practices Areas

Estate Planning

Real Estate

Probate

Elder Law

Language

Spanish English

Contact

Ohana Legacy Law75-165 Hualalai RoadSuite 203AKailua-Kona, HI, 96740

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Michele
June 19, 2019

After my mother passed away I needed to sell her home in Kona, and I have never bought or sold a home before - it was all new to me. I live on the mainland, and Donna was recommended by a family friend in Kona. I spoke to her on the phone and was very impressed by her knowledge of real estate law, her professionalism, and her communication skills. We got good advice from Donna (disclosure list, etc.). We also had her look over anything we were given, by the realtor or the escrow company, to sign. She said the forms looked pretty standard, but there were a few things she had us change - she had our best interest at heart. My husband and I agreed that paying for an attorney look things over was well worth it for our peace of mind, and fortunately Donna’s rates were very reasonable. After escrow closed we asked Donna to apply for the HARPTA refund, and about six months later we got the entire amount! So thank you, Donna Payesko, for being there when we needed you and for helping to make sure everything went smoothly! Mahalo!

Eric
April 30, 2017

My wife and I started working with Donna for a basic will. After reading her website and meeting with donna we realized we really needed a full estate plan with a trust. Donna was amazing to work with, she is incredibly friendly, professional and ask all of the right questions.

Jaye
May 24, 2016

Donna Payesko has provided me advice in several areas of the law over a period of years. In various legal matters, I needed someone who could navigate complex waters -- in guardianship matters; other elder, finance and tax law issues; real property and matrimonial protection. Each matter required a clear understanding of what was involved, the parties’ claims, the possible options/ solutions and the steps and procedures necessary to move forward to resolution. Ms. Payesko's ability to isolate each issue, clarify the law regarding such matters and move forward expediently helped reduce the stress of the situation. Ms. Payesko speaks well -- clearly and directly -- outlining the process using terms I understood. She is meticulous in her written communications, paying attention to detail and meeting all deadlines. When I was required to furnish documentation to her for a legal matter, she was patient with my efforts to locate those documents, yet clear about their importance to the case. I could communicate in a variety of ways (scan, fax, email, phone, etc.), knowing she would receive my communication and respond in a timely matter. Ms. Payesko is an excellent listener and asked specific relevant questions to expedite the process. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking legal advice or the ongoing services of an attorney.

Jennie
May 19, 2016

She helped us through the decision complexities of creating a trust and will for our family. She was extremely sharp and professional while being personable and practical. I would highly recommend her services!

Cheryl
May 18, 2016

Donna went through all duties etc. of being appointed as Trustee. She was very patient with me and provided good advice as many issues came up. She helped me get through a difficult time, I would definitely recommend her to thers needing an Attorney.

Diane
May 17, 2016

I can't thank Donna enough for bringing to my attention that my previous estate plan was out of date. It would have been horrific if something were to happen to me and my estate was left unattended. Donna took the time to explain in depth the importance of updating my will and directives so that my estate is planned accordingly.

Michele
June 19, 2019

After my mother passed away I needed to sell her home in Kona, and I have never bought or sold a home before - it was all new to me. I live on the mainland, and Donna was recommended by a family friend in Kona. I spoke to her on the phone and was very impressed by her knowledge of real estate law, her professionalism, and her communication skills. We got good advice from Donna (disclosure list, etc.). We also had her look over anything we were given, by the realtor or the escrow company, to sign. She said the forms looked pretty standard, but there were a few things she had us change - she had our best interest at heart. My husband and I agreed that paying for an attorney look things over was well worth it for our peace of mind, and fortunately Donna’s rates were very reasonable. After escrow closed we asked Donna to apply for the HARPTA refund, and about six months later we got the entire amount! So thank you, Donna Payesko, for being there when we needed you and for helping to make sure everything went smoothly! Mahalo!

Eric
April 30, 2017

My wife and I started working with Donna for a basic will. After reading her website and meeting with donna we realized we really needed a full estate plan with a trust. Donna was amazing to work with, she is incredibly friendly, professional and ask all of the right questions.

Jaye
May 24, 2016

Donna Payesko has provided me advice in several areas of the law over a period of years. In various legal matters, I needed someone who could navigate complex waters -- in guardianship matters; other elder, finance and tax law issues; real property and matrimonial protection. Each matter required a clear understanding of what was involved, the parties’ claims, the possible options/ solutions and the steps and procedures necessary to move forward to resolution. Ms. Payesko's ability to isolate each issue, clarify the law regarding such matters and move forward expediently helped reduce the stress of the situation. Ms. Payesko speaks well -- clearly and directly -- outlining the process using terms I understood. She is meticulous in her written communications, paying attention to detail and meeting all deadlines. When I was required to furnish documentation to her for a legal matter, she was patient with my efforts to locate those documents, yet clear about their importance to the case. I could communicate in a variety of ways (scan, fax, email, phone, etc.), knowing she would receive my communication and respond in a timely matter. Ms. Payesko is an excellent listener and asked specific relevant questions to expedite the process. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking legal advice or the ongoing services of an attorney.

Jennie
May 19, 2016

She helped us through the decision complexities of creating a trust and will for our family. She was extremely sharp and professional while being personable and practical. I would highly recommend her services!

Cheryl
May 18, 2016

Donna went through all duties etc. of being appointed as Trustee. She was very patient with me and provided good advice as many issues came up. She helped me get through a difficult time, I would definitely recommend her to thers needing an Attorney.

Diane
May 17, 2016

I can't thank Donna enough for bringing to my attention that my previous estate plan was out of date. It would have been horrific if something were to happen to me and my estate was left unattended. Donna took the time to explain in depth the importance of updating my will and directives so that my estate is planned accordingly.

Michele
June 19, 2019

After my mother passed away I needed to sell her home in Kona, and I have never bought or sold a home before - it was all new to me. I live on the mainland, and Donna was recommended by a family friend in Kona. I spoke to her on the phone and was very impressed by her knowledge of real estate law, her professionalism, and her communication skills. We got good advice from Donna (disclosure list, etc.). We also had her look over anything we were given, by the realtor or the escrow company, to sign. She said the forms looked pretty standard, but there were a few things she had us change - she had our best interest at heart. My husband and I agreed that paying for an attorney look things over was well worth it for our peace of mind, and fortunately Donna’s rates were very reasonable. After escrow closed we asked Donna to apply for the HARPTA refund, and about six months later we got the entire amount! So thank you, Donna Payesko, for being there when we needed you and for helping to make sure everything went smoothly! Mahalo!

Eric
April 30, 2017

My wife and I started working with Donna for a basic will. After reading her website and meeting with donna we realized we really needed a full estate plan with a trust. Donna was amazing to work with, she is incredibly friendly, professional and ask all of the right questions.

Jaye
May 24, 2016

Donna Payesko has provided me advice in several areas of the law over a period of years. In various legal matters, I needed someone who could navigate complex waters -- in guardianship matters; other elder, finance and tax law issues; real property and matrimonial protection. Each matter required a clear understanding of what was involved, the parties’ claims, the possible options/ solutions and the steps and procedures necessary to move forward to resolution. Ms. Payesko's ability to isolate each issue, clarify the law regarding such matters and move forward expediently helped reduce the stress of the situation. Ms. Payesko speaks well -- clearly and directly -- outlining the process using terms I understood. She is meticulous in her written communications, paying attention to detail and meeting all deadlines. When I was required to furnish documentation to her for a legal matter, she was patient with my efforts to locate those documents, yet clear about their importance to the case. I could communicate in a variety of ways (scan, fax, email, phone, etc.), knowing she would receive my communication and respond in a timely matter. Ms. Payesko is an excellent listener and asked specific relevant questions to expedite the process. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking legal advice or the ongoing services of an attorney.

Jennie
May 19, 2016

She helped us through the decision complexities of creating a trust and will for our family. She was extremely sharp and professional while being personable and practical. I would highly recommend her services!

Cheryl
May 18, 2016

Donna went through all duties etc. of being appointed as Trustee. She was very patient with me and provided good advice as many issues came up. She helped me get through a difficult time, I would definitely recommend her to thers needing an Attorney.

Diane
May 17, 2016

I can't thank Donna enough for bringing to my attention that my previous estate plan was out of date. It would have been horrific if something were to happen to me and my estate was left unattended. Donna took the time to explain in depth the importance of updating my will and directives so that my estate is planned accordingly.