What Are My Duties as Executor in New Hampshire?
Step-by-step guide for executors navigating probate, from filing the will to closing the estate.
Frequently Asked Questions
An executor (or personal representative) in New Hampshire is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying and appraising assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. The executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.
The probate petition filing fee in New Hampshire is approximately $305 for a $500,000 estate.NH Probate Div. Rule 88 (fees), NH Probate Div. Rule 169 (filing fees; Aug. 27, 2025 amendment added only a card service charge — estate fee tiers unchanged), RSA 553:13 (bond), RSA 553:16 (small estate publication waiver), RSA 553:32 (Waiver of Administration), RSA 553:33 (Summary Administration), RSA 556:1 (creditor 6-mo bar), RSA 556:5 (creditor 1-yr), RSA 556:7 (surviving actions), RSA 556:29 (real property claims)Verified May 31, 2026 Additional fees may apply for certified copies, recording fees, and publication of notice to creditors.
New Hampshire requires the executor to publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper. Known creditors should also receive direct written notice. Creditors have 12 months to file claims.NH Probate Div. Rule 88 (fees), NH Probate Div. Rule 169 (filing fees; Aug. 27, 2025 amendment added only a card service charge — estate fee tiers unchanged), RSA 553:13 (bond), RSA 553:16 (small estate publication waiver), RSA 553:32 (Waiver of Administration), RSA 553:33 (Summary Administration), RSA 556:1 (creditor 6-mo bar), RSA 556:5 (creditor 1-yr), RSA 556:7 (surviving actions), RSA 556:29 (real property claims)Verified May 31, 2026 The executor is personally liable for distributions made before the claim period expires if valid claims go unpaid.
New Hampshire allows estates valued at $10,000 or less to use a Waiver of Administration.NH Probate Div. Rule 88 (fees), NH Probate Div. Rule 169 (filing fees; Aug. 27, 2025 amendment added only a card service charge — estate fee tiers unchanged), RSA 553:13 (bond), RSA 553:16 (small estate publication waiver), RSA 553:32 (Waiver of Administration), RSA 553:33 (Summary Administration), RSA 556:1 (creditor 6-mo bar), RSA 556:5 (creditor 1-yr), RSA 556:7 (surviving actions), RSA 556:29 (real property claims)Verified May 31, 2026 The waiting period is 0 days after death. This avoids the need for formal probate and significantly reduces time and cost.
New Hampshire allows executors to receive reasonable compensation.NH Circuit Court Probate Division Rule 88 (reasonable compensation determined by court; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 Typical executor fees range from 2% to 4% of estate value. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the New Hampshire executor fee calculator.
Probate costs in New Hampshire include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and potentially a surety bond. Total costs generally range from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. The New Hampshire probate calculator provides a detailed cost estimate based on estate value.
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New Hampshire Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering New Hampshire probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
