Probate in New Hampshire
New Hampshire probate is administered in the Circuit Court — Probate Division of the county where the deceased resided. New Hampshire updated its probate laws in 2006 to allow both formal and informal (unsupervised) administration. Informal administration is available in most cases, significantly reducing court oversight.
New Hampshire probate typically takes 6–12 months.
Simplified estate procedures
New Hampshire allows summary administration for estates with gross value of $25,000 or less — a simplified process without full probate. A voluntary administrator can be appointed to handle the estate with minimal court involvement.
New Hampshire authorizes transfer on death deeds for real property.
Death certificates
New Hampshire death certificates are issued by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NHDHHS) Bureau of Vital Records and by town/city clerks. The cost is $15 per certified copy. Order through NHDHHS or through the town clerk where the death was registered.
Order at least 10–12 certified copies when the funeral home files the initial certificate.
Estate and inheritance tax
- State estate tax: New Hampshire has no state estate tax and no inheritance tax.
The federal estate tax applies only to estates above $13.61 million (2024 threshold).
Notable rules
- No estate or income tax: New Hampshire has no state estate tax, no inheritance tax, and no broad income tax — making it one of the most favorable states from a tax perspective.
- Creditor claim period: 1 year from the date of death.
- Transfer on death deed: New Hampshire allows transfer on death deeds for real property.
- Town clerk vital records: New Hampshire vital records are maintained at both the state level and locally by town/city clerks.
Key contacts
- NH vital records: sos.nh.gov/vital-records
- NH Judicial Branch probate: courts.nh.gov
- New Hampshire Bar Association lawyer referral: nhbar.org