How Do I Get Appointed as Executor in New Hampshire?
See the appointing court, the petition that opens the estate, what to file, and bond rules to be appointed in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Hampshire uses Petition for Estate Administration (NHJB-2145-Pe), filed with the New Hampshire Circuit Court, Probate Division. After the court grants the petition, Circuit Court Probate Division clerk (Estates Electronic Filing Center), after the court grants the Petition for Estate Administration issues your Certificate of Appointment (Letters of Appointment) (with a will) or Certificate of Appointment (Letters of Appointment) (without a will).
Along with the petition, New Hampshire generally requires: Certified copy of the death certificate; Original will (the named executor must file it within 30 days after the death or within 30 days after learning of the nomination, whichever is later) (RSA 552:3); Fiduciary Bond (NHJB-2137-P) unless waived by the court (RSA 553:13); Appointment of Resident Agent (required only if the executor/administrator resides outside New Hampshire) (RSA 553:25); Notice to beneficially interested persons (sent by the court after all required documents are received at the EEFC).
Yes. New Hampshire requires a bond by default before Letters issue.
New Hampshire permits self-represented filers to open an estate, using Petition for Estate Administration (NHJB-2145-Pe). E-filing is available. The Self-File Probate Assessment compares self-filing and attorney costs for New Hampshire.
Yes. A revocable living trust passes assets to beneficiaries without any court appointment in New Hampshire — no petition, no Letters, no bond. A revocable trust built with SimplyTrust takes about 15 minutes.
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More tools for settling this estate
Calculators and checklists for navigating probate and estate administration.
Petition for Probate and Letters
Prepare the application to open probate and request Letters Testamentary or of Administration.
Notice to Creditors
Prepare the creditor notice for an estate — the official state form or a notice typeset to statute, plus mailed notices for known creditors.
Small Estate Affidavit
Prepare the affidavit that collects a small estate's property without probate — the official state form or an affidavit drafted to statute, plus a presentation letter for each holder.
Estate Inventory
Prepare the probate inventory of estate property — every asset at its date-of-death value, composed to your state's statute, with the state's filing or delivery instructions.
Estate Closing
Prepare the paperwork that closes the estate — the state's closing statement, petition for discharge, or final account, with the state's closing instructions and the optional federal forms.
Letter of Instruction
Prepare the letter of instruction a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. See if your state has statutory fees or uses reasonable compensation.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
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.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need based on the assets and accounts you need to close. See state-specific ordering information.
Do I Need Probate?
Answer a few questions to find out if an estate needs full probate, qualifies for simplified probate, or can avoid probate entirely with a small estate affidavit.
Hire a New Hampshire Probate Attorney
Browse 49 probate firms in New Hampshire with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
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New Hampshire Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering New Hampshire probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.