How Do I Get Appointed as Executor in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Circuit Court, Probate Division appoints the personal representative and the Circuit Court Probate Division clerk issues Certificate of Appointment; every appointment goes through the courtRSA 552:6; RSA 553:2Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Hampshire uses Petition for Estate Administration (NHJB-2145-Pe), filed with the New Hampshire Circuit Court, Probate Division. Circuit Court Probate Division clerk issues Certificate of Appointment after the court grants the petition.
Along with the petition, New Hampshire generally requires: Certified copy of the death record; no administrator may be appointed until it is filed with the probate court, unless the judge waives the requirement on petition (RSA 553:1-a). The original certified copy must be mailed to the Estates Electronic Filing Center.; Original will and all codicils, mailed to the Estates Electronic Filing Center (the named executor must file the will 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-Pe, e-File only) when the court orders a bond without sureties, or an original corporate surety bond mailed to the Estates Electronic Filing Center when the estate value exceeds $25,000 (RSA 553:13); Appointment of Resident Agent (NHJB-2120-Pe, e-File only) — 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 to self-represented filers. 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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