--- title: "New Hampshire Executor Checklist: First 30 Days | MCC" description: "New Hampshire executor checklist: first 30 days, sworn affidavit, 2 will witnesses, self-proving affidavit allowed, official court links." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/new-hampshire-executor-checklist" --- Executor checklist · New Hampshire # New Hampshire executor and estate paperwork checklist The first 30 days, the small estate route, the will at probate, and the official pages to ask, from this state's own court and statute pages. **Quick answer.** In the first 30 days, an executor in the state orders certified death certificates, finds the original will, secures the home, car and mail, lists what the person owned and owed, and holds off on paying debts until it's clear who has authority. For the small estate route, the state’s official pages give a sworn affidavit; it goes through the court. ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) **Short answer.** The state: sworn affidavit; filed through the court; 2 will witnesses; self-proving affidavit allowed; waiver of administration. 9 of 11 state facts below are confirmed on official pages; 2 are marked not confirmed, with the page to check. **This is an organizer, not legal advice.** An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. ## The first 30 days Plain steps that apply wherever the person lived, with the small estate dates for this state. Ticks stay on your screen only. - **Ask for certified death certificates, more than you think**The funeral director or vital records office issues them. Institutions often keep the copy you send, so plan on one each. - **Check that Social Security has been told**The funeral home usually reports it. Otherwise call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), and ask about the $255 lump-sum death payment for a surviving spouse or some children. - **Locate the signed will and any changes**The signed original matters more than a copy. Keep it whole and somewhere safe, and note who else has a copy. - **See whether a self-proving affidavit is attached**It's a sworn page signed by the witnesses, usually at the end of the will; the rule for this state is below. - **Protect the property**Change locks if keys are out, keep insurance paid, and have the mail forwarded so bills and statements reach you. - **Don't pay bills or hand out belongings yet**First learn which route fits and who is allowed to act; ask the probate office or an attorney about anything urgent. - **Stop using the person's power of attorney**A power of attorney ends at the principal's death, so an agent under it can't act for the estate. - **Start an inventory**Every account, property, vehicle and debt, with how each is held. Beneficiary and joint accounts usually pass directly, not through the estate. - **Start the estate ledger**Record every dollar in and out with a receipt: funeral costs, bills paid, money collected. - **Get the estate its own tax number and bank account**The IRS asks for an EIN before the estate's Form 1041, which applies once the estate has more than $600 of gross income in a year. Sources for the federal steps: [Social Security Administration: When someone dies](https://ssa.gov/personal-record/when-someone-dies) · [IRS: Deceased taxpayers, filing the estate income tax return (Form 1041)](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/deceased-taxpayers-filing-the-estate-income-tax-return-form-1041) · power of attorney: [Power of attorney at a real estate closing](/notary/guides/power-of-attorney-at-a-real-estate-closing). ## The small estate route - #### Not confirmedSmall estate limit Not confirmed — check [New Hampshire Judicial Branch: What is waiver of administration? (RSA 553:32)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/pamphlet-e-waiverofadministrationinfo.pdf). - #### Not confirmedWaiting period after the death Not confirmed — check [New Hampshire Judicial Branch: What is waiver of administration? (RSA 553:32)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/pamphlet-e-waiverofadministrationinfo.pdf). - #### ConfirmedNotary or oath Sworn; a notary can give the oath. The administrator's statement for summary administration is made under oath. Sources: [New Hampshire Judicial Branch: What is waiver of administration? (RSA 553:32)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/pamphlet-e-waiverofadministrationinfo.pdf); [RSA 553:33, Summary administration (New Hampshire General Court)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/553/553-33.htm), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedWhere the paperwork goes Through a court office. Starts with a Petition for Estate Administration (NHJB-2145-Pe) to the court. Sources: [New Hampshire Judicial Branch: What is waiver of administration? (RSA 553:32)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/pamphlet-e-waiverofadministrationinfo.pdf); [RSA 553:33, Summary administration (New Hampshire General Court)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/553/553-33.htm), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedOfficial form NHJB-2144-Pe, Waiver of Full Administration Statement. Filed after appointment with NHJB-2145-Pe. Source: [New Hampshire Judicial Branch: What is waiver of administration? (RSA 553:32)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/pamphlet-e-waiverofadministrationinfo.pdf), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedSimplified court procedure Waiver of administration (RSA 553:32) and summary administration (RSA 553:33): Waiver: for a qualifying administrator such as a surviving spouse who is sole heir. Summary administration: a motion at least 6 months after appointment, with a sworn statement and the beneficiaries' assents. Neither sets a dollar limit. Sources: [New Hampshire Judicial Branch: What is waiver of administration? (RSA 553:32)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/pamphlet-e-waiverofadministrationinfo.pdf); [RSA 553:33, Summary administration (New Hampshire General Court)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/553/553-33.htm), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedSurviving spouse A surviving spouse who is the sole heir and is appointed administrator may qualify. Sources: [New Hampshire Judicial Branch: What is waiver of administration? (RSA 553:32)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/pamphlet-e-waiverofadministrationinfo.pdf); [RSA 553:33, Summary administration (New Hampshire General Court)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/553/553-33.htm), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedWorth knowing the state has no small estate affidavit with a dollar limit on the official pages we read; both simplified routes start with an appointment by the court. Sources: [New Hampshire Judicial Branch: What is waiver of administration? (RSA 553:32)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/pamphlet-e-waiverofadministrationinfo.pdf); [RSA 553:33, Summary administration (New Hampshire General Court)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/553/553-33.htm), checked November 2026 ## The will at probate Signing rules for wills, as they bear on getting the will accepted. - #### ConfirmedWitnesses the will needed Two or more witnesses, who sign at the testator's request and in the testator's presence."Be signed by 2 or more credible witnesses" Sources: [RSA 551:2, Requirements (New Hampshire General Court)](https://www.gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/551/551-2.htm); [RSA 551:2-a, Self-proved wills (New Hampshire General Court)](https://www.gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/551/551-2-a.htm); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in New Hampshire (Nolo, updated September 2025)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/new-hampshire-make-will-31915.html), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedSelf-proving affidavit Allowed. The sworn acknowledgment is made before a notary public, a justice of the peace or another official authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed."a notary public, a justice of the peace" Sources: [RSA 551:2, Requirements (New Hampshire General Court)](https://www.gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/551/551-2.htm); [RSA 551:2-a, Self-proved wills (New Hampshire General Court)](https://www.gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/551/551-2-a.htm); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in New Hampshire (Nolo, updated September 2025)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/new-hampshire-make-will-31915.html), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedIf the will is handwritten Not recognized, per Nolo's New Hampshire page (updated September 2025)."the state doesn't allow this type of handwritten will." Source: [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in New Hampshire (Nolo, updated September 2025)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/new-hampshire-make-will-31915.html), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedA witness who inherits An interested witness can lose the gift left to them (Nolo, citing RSA 551:3). Source: [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in New Hampshire (Nolo, updated September 2025)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/new-hampshire-make-will-31915.html), checked November 2026 ## Want us to handle it? We order certified records, pick up and deliver documents, get the small estate affidavit signed and notarized, and file papers near where the estate is, in any state. We are not lawyers. **Price:** Quote-based, from $199 per job plus government and court fees at cost. Starting rates. Your exact price is quoted after we confirm a local notary/runner, before you pay. [Ask for estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state#request) ## Documents to gather - Certified death certificates - The original will and any codicils - Deeds and mortgage statements - Vehicle titles and registrations - Recent bank, brokerage and retirement statements - Life insurance policies and annuities - The last few years of tax returns - Recent bills, loan and credit card statements - Pension, Social Security and benefit letters - Safe deposit box location and keys - The official small estate form: NHJB-2144-Pe, Waiver of Full Administration Statement ## Who to notify Life insurance companies, Utilities and phone, Landlord or mortgage servicer, Credit card companies, Pension or employer, Social Security (if the funeral home hasn't), Banks and credit unions, Brokerage and retirement accounts. Send a short letter with a copy of the death certificate, and keep a log of who you told and when. ## Documents needed abroad - #### ConfirmedA death certificate needed abroad Apostilles for this state's documents come from the New Hampshire Secretary of State. $10 per document, cash or check payable to the State of the state. Vital records: Request an original copy from the local town or city clerk. Source: [New Hampshire Secretary of State](https://www.sos.nh.gov/apostilles-and-certificates), checked November 2026 ## Where to ask An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Official pages for the state: - [New Hampshire Judicial Branch: What is waiver of administration? (RSA 553:32)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/pamphlet-e-waiverofadministrationinfo.pdf) - [RSA 553:33, Summary administration (New Hampshire General Court)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/553/553-33.htm) - [RSA 551:2, Requirements (New Hampshire General Court)](https://www.gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/551/551-2.htm) - [RSA 551:2-a, Self-proved wills (New Hampshire General Court)](https://www.gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/551/551-2-a.htm) ## Still to confirm - Small estate limit: check [New Hampshire Judicial Branch: What is waiver of administration? (RSA 553:32)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/pamphlet-e-waiverofadministrationinfo.pdf) - Waiting period after the death: check [New Hampshire Judicial Branch: What is waiver of administration? (RSA 553:32)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/pamphlet-e-waiverofadministrationinfo.pdf) General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Facts checked November 2026. ## Common questions **Is there a small estate route in New Hampshire?** No dollar limit was confirmed in our files. The simplified procedure named there: Waiver of administration (RSA 553:32) and summary administration (RSA 553:33): Waiver: for a qualifying administrator such as a surviving spouse who is sole heir. Summary administration: a motion at least 6 months after appointment, with a sworn statement and the beneficiaries' assents. Neither sets a dollar limit. **Does the small estate paperwork in New Hampshire need a notary?** Sworn; a notary can give the oath. The administrator's statement for summary administration is made under oath. **Is there an official New Hampshire form?** NHJB-2144-Pe, Waiver of Full Administration Statement. Filed after appointment with NHJB-2145-Pe. Link: https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/pamphlet-e-waiverofadministrationinfo.pdf **How many witnesses did a will in New Hampshire need?** Two or more witnesses, who sign at the testator's request and in the testator's presence. **What about a self-proving affidavit in New Hampshire?** Allowed. The sworn acknowledgment is made before a notary public, a justice of the peace or another official authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed. **What if the only will in New Hampshire is handwritten?** Not recognized, per Nolo's New Hampshire page (updated September 2025). **Who answers questions about an estate in New Hampshire?** An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. The official pages behind this checklist: New Hampshire Judicial Branch: What is waiver of administration? (RSA 553:32). Related: [Executor guide by state](/notary/executor-guide-by-state) · [Will signing requirements](/notary/will-signing-requirements-new-hampshire) · [Apostille steps](/notary/apostille-new-hampshire) · [Estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state) ## Family far from the estate? [See estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)