How Much Does Probate Cost in New Hampshire?
Use our free calculator to estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Probate costs in New Hampshire typically include attorney fees (based on reasonable compensation determined by the court), executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs.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 552:6 (will allowed in common form by the judge), RSA 553:2 (court grants administration), RSA 553:13 (bond), RSA 553:16 (publication; $10K publication waiver), RSA 550:10 (publication mechanics; fiduciary advances the cost), RSA 553:32 (Waiver of Administration), RSA 553:33 (Summary Administration), RSA 554:1 (inventory; no appraiser required), RSA 556:1 (no suit within 6 months), RSA 556:3 (demand exhibited within 6 months — the creditor claim period), RSA 556:5 (suit within 1 year), RSA 556:29 (real property claims)Verified Jul 14, 2026 On a $500,000 estate, total costs run about $29,505 — roughly 6% of estate value — varying with complexity. Use the executor fee calculator to estimate executor compensation separately.
In New Hampshire, simple estates typically take 6-9 months. Average estates take 9-15 months. Complex estates with disputes, tax issues, or unusual assets can take 15-30 months or longer.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 552:6 (will allowed in common form by the judge), RSA 553:2 (court grants administration), RSA 553:13 (bond), RSA 553:16 (publication; $10K publication waiver), RSA 550:10 (publication mechanics; fiduciary advances the cost), RSA 553:32 (Waiver of Administration), RSA 553:33 (Summary Administration), RSA 554:1 (inventory; no appraiser required), RSA 556:1 (no suit within 6 months), RSA 556:3 (demand exhibited within 6 months — the creditor claim period), RSA 556:5 (suit within 1 year), RSA 556:29 (real property claims)Verified Jul 14, 2026 The 6-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.
Yes — the calculator above estimates New Hampshire probate attorney fees from the estate value. New Hampshire uses a "reasonable compensation" standard, so fees depend on estate complexity, time spent, and local rates.NH Circuit Court Probate Division Rule 88 (reasonable compensation for work, responsibility, and risk; no statutory percentage)Verified Jul 14, 2026 Typical fees run 2% to 3.2% of estate value. It shows the attorney fee alongside executor fees, court filing fees, and the total probate 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 Jul 14, 2026 Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the New Hampshire executor fee calculator.
Real property cannot be transferred through this procedure in New Hampshire — an estate that includes real estate uses a separate process.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 552:6 (will allowed in common form by the judge), RSA 553:2 (court grants administration), RSA 553:13 (bond), RSA 553:16 (publication; $10K publication waiver), RSA 550:10 (publication mechanics; fiduciary advances the cost), RSA 553:32 (Waiver of Administration), RSA 553:33 (Summary Administration), RSA 554:1 (inventory; no appraiser required), RSA 556:1 (no suit within 6 months), RSA 556:3 (demand exhibited within 6 months — the creditor claim period), RSA 556:5 (suit within 1 year), RSA 556:29 (real property claims)Verified Jul 14, 2026
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