For most Strafford County homeowners, the house is what drags an estate into probate. A transfer-on-death deed or a living trust keeps it out—here is how to set up either one and record it locally.
For a Strafford County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the 7th Circuit - Probate Division. The two tools that keep a Strafford County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the Register of Deeds, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.
Skipping this planning step means the 7th Circuit - Probate Division decides who receives the property: a simple New Hampshire probate takes 6+ months and opens with $150 in court filing fees.
A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Strafford County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the Register of Deeds during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.
Before recording, a New Hampshire transfer on death deed is signed with notary acknowledgmentRSA 563-D:1 to 563-D:22Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded within 60 daysRSA 563-D:1 to 563-D:22Verified Aug 24, 2026View source of signing and before the owner's deathRSA 563-D:1 to 563-D:22Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Deeds and other real property documents for Strafford County are recorded with the Register of Deeds, led by Register of Deeds Catherine A. Berube, at 259 County Farm Road, Suite 202, Dover, NH 03820. Phone: 603-742-1741. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM; Recording stops at 4:00 PM.
The Register of Deeds charges $12 for the first page plus $4 for each additional page. A 2-page transfer on death deed costs $41 to record in Strafford County, which is $16 in recording fees plus the $25 LCHIP Surcharge (Land and Community Heritage Investment Program). A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Strafford County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile, CSC, Hopdox, Indecomm.
Recording Office Record
Strafford County · Register of Deeds · Catherine A. Berube
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $12 |
| Each additional page | $4 |
| LCHIP Surcharge (Land and Community Heritage Investment Program)Applies to a TOD deed | $25 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
RSA 478:17-g; RSA 478:17-j; RSA 78-B:1; RSA 78-B:2; RSA 78-B:4
Verified September 7, 2026 · Source
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Mid-size firm serving New England for nearly 40 years. Michael Bolduc leads the estate planning practice, focusing on wills, trusts, estate administration, and business entity formation.
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One of New Hampshire's oldest law firms, serving clients since 1870. Estate law attorneys have extensive experience finding the right estate and probate solutions for families.
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FirmPortsmouth, NH
Two-attorney firm in Portsmouth serving Rockingham and Strafford Counties for over 20 years. Provides estate planning, probate administration, trust administration, guardianship, and real estate legal services.
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Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Data sourced from New Hampshire statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for New Hampshire.
Forms and tools for property owners in Strafford County.
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Answer questions about your estate size, real estate ownership, marital status, and family situation to see how a revocable trust compares to a will alone. Includes estimated probate costs for your state.
Answer questions about your property type, ownership structure, and estate plan to see if a TOD deed is the right approach. Includes state-specific availability, signing requirements, and recording fees.
Compare trusts vs wills for your specific situation. See probate costs, trust administration expenses, and whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures based on your state and estate value.
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
Estate planning articles for New Hampshire.
