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New Hampshire executor checklist (printable)

Last reviewed Oct 29, 2026 · How we check · Report a correction

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1. Order certified death certificates (Any New Hampshire town or city clerk, or the NH Division of Vital Records Administration).
2. Find the original will. New Hampshire: Yes, even with no probate. The person named as executor must file the will in the probate court within 30 days after the death (or after learning they were named, if later). If the estate has assets, the will must be proved or the executor must file a written refusal. If there are no probate assets (for example, everything was jointly owned), the executor still files the original will along with a death certificate, and it is filed “with no administration.” Neglecting this duty can cost $20 for each month after the 30 days.
3. Secure the home, vehicles and valuables; forward mail.
4. Decide whether probate is needed. New Hampshire shortcut: No small-estate affidavit. Simple estates usually use waiver of administration under RSA 553:32, which has no dollar cap.
5. If a case is needed, file with the court for the county where the person lived: Circuit Court – Probate Division for the county where the person lived (county list).
6. Get appointed and receive court letters.
7. Get an EIN from the IRS and open an estate bank account.
8. Handle creditor claims. New Hampshire: A creditor must exhibit (present) its claim to the administrator within 6 months after the original grant of administration, and generally must sue within 1 year after that grant. A notice by registered mail stating the claim and demanding payment counts as presenting it.
9. Prepare an inventory if the court requires one.
10. File the final income tax return and any estate income tax returns.
11. Pay valid debts and expenses, distribute assets and get receipts.
12. Close the estate with the court if a case was opened.

Sources

• Executor must file the will within 30 days; with no assets, file the will plus a death certificate with no administration. Source: RSA 552:3, checked Oct 29, 2026.
• Forfeit of $20 per month for neglect after the 30 days, unless excused by the court. Source: RSA 552:4, checked Oct 29, 2026.
• Claim must be exhibited within six months after the original grant of administration. Source: RSA 556:3, checked Oct 29, 2026.
• Registered-mail notice of the claim and demand is sufficient. Source: RSA 556:2, checked Oct 29, 2026.
• Suit against the administrator must begin within one year after the original grant of administration (with exceptions). Source: RSA 556:5, checked Oct 29, 2026.
• New Hampshire has no small-estate affidavit. Instead, an estate can use waiver of administration (no inventory, bond or accounting) when, for example, the sole beneficiary or sole heir is appointed administrator, all beneficiaries or heirs serve or assent, or the court finds it appropriate. The statute sets no dollar limit. Source: RSA 553:32, checked Oct 29, 2026.

Official forms, fees and e-filing:

• Estates self-help (NH Judicial Branch)
• Forms and fees (NH Judicial Branch)
• Probate Division Rule 169: fees

When to get professional help

This site gives general legal information, not legal advice. Consider talking to a licensed attorney in the state if:

• someone may contest the will, or family members disagree;
• the estate owns a business, out-of-state real estate, or may owe estate tax;
• debts may be larger than the assets;
• you are unsure whether a deadline applies to you, or one may already have passed.

Many state and local bar associations run lawyer referral services; your probate court’s self-help page may list them.

Step-by-step guide: After a death in New Hampshire · General version: Executor checklist