# What to Do First as an Executor in New Hampshire

Canonical URL: https://executorworkbook.com/
Updated: 2026-06-05
Target query: What to do first as an executor in New Hampshire

## In a Nutshell

In New Hampshire, an executor's first job is to organize, not distribute: find the will, order death certificates, list accounts and property, review NH court materials, and wait for appointment before controlling estate assets. If facts are disputed, pause for court or attorney guidance.

## Legal Boundary

This workbook is for organization, not legal advice.
It summarizes public sources and practical preparation steps. It does not decide whether probate is required, whether a will is valid, who inherits, whether claims should be paid, or when property can be distributed. If a fact is disputed or unclear, pause and consult a New Hampshire probate attorney or the court.

## Who This Helps

- Best fit: Uncontested New Hampshire estates in the first 1 to 30 days
- Helps with: Documents, official links, bank prep, family updates, and attorney-ready questions
- Does not do: Court filing, legal conclusions, asset control, distributions, or creditor advice
- Privacy posture: No intake form, uploads, account numbers, Social Security numbers, or saved estate data

## First Week: Organize Before You Act (#first-week)

Answer: Start with documents and facts: death certificates, the will or codicils, asset and bill lists, date-of-death records, written questions, and a neutral family update.

Section sources:

- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

- NH Judicial Branch: Filing an Inventory overview. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/prepareinventory.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

- NH Judicial Branch: Cover letter for death certificate or original will. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-05/nhjb-3020-pe-deathcertororigwillletter.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Order or locate certified death certificates (#death-certificates)
Claim: Order or locate certified death certificates early, because official NH court materials identify certified death certificates as documents that may need to be mailed for estate processing.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Cover letter for death certificate or original will. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-05/nhjb-3020-pe-deathcertororigwillletter.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Secure the original will and any codicils (#will-and-codicils)
Claim: Secure the original will and any codicils if they exist, and keep them separate from ordinary paperwork so they can be reviewed or mailed as required.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: Cover letter for death certificate or original will. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-05/nhjb-3020-pe-deathcertororigwillletter.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### List assets, institutions, property, benefits, and bills (#asset-and-bill-list)
Claim: Create a working list of known banks, credit unions, brokerages, vehicles, real estate, insurance, pensions, public benefits, recurring bills, and family contact information.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: Filing an Inventory overview. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/prepareinventory.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Save date-of-death records (#date-of-death-records)
Claim: Save statements or other records showing assets as of the date of death when available, because inventory preparation depends on asset information and values.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: Filing an Inventory overview. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/prepareinventory.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Write down unclear questions (#question-list)
Claim: Write down open questions for the court or a New Hampshire probate attorney instead of guessing about legal rights, ownership, creditor claims, or distribution timing.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Send a neutral family update (#neutral-family-update)
Claim: Send a family update that says what you are gathering and what remains pending, without promising account access, distribution timing, or legal conclusions.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

--- BEGIN PARAMETERIZABLE ARTIFACT: first-week-checklist ---
Title: First-week checklist
Purpose: Use this as a working checklist. Fill the bracketed fields before sharing it with another person.
Slots:
- [fill: decedent full legal name]
- [fill: date of death]
- [fill: county or town if known]
- [fill: open question]
Body:
Estate: [fill: decedent full legal name]
Date of death: [fill: date of death]
County or town: [fill: county or town if known]

- [ ] Order or locate certified death certificates.
- [ ] Secure the original will and any codicils if they exist.
- [ ] List known banks, credit unions, brokerages, vehicles, real estate, insurance, pensions, public benefits, and recurring bills.
- [ ] Save statements or records showing assets as of the date of death when available.
- [ ] Write down questions for the court or a New Hampshire probate attorney.
- [ ] Send a neutral family update that does not promise access, timing, or distribution.

Questions to carry forward:
- [fill: open question]
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: Filing an Inventory overview. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/prepareinventory.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: Cover letter for death certificate or original will. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-05/nhjb-3020-pe-deathcertororigwillletter.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
--- END PARAMETERIZABLE ARTIFACT: first-week-checklist ---
## NH Court Readiness (#court-readiness)

Answer: Before choosing a filing path, review the NH Judicial Branch estate materials, mailing reminders, inventory guidance, and current fee schedule.

Section sources:

- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

- NH Judicial Branch: Filing an Inventory overview. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/prepareinventory.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

- NH Judicial Branch: Circuit Court filing fees. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/filing_fees.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

- NH Judicial Branch: Cover letter for death certificate or original will. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-05/nhjb-3020-pe-deathcertororigwillletter.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Opening path orientation (#opening-path)
Claim: Review official NH estate materials before selecting a with-will, no-will, waiver, summary, or attorney-reviewed path; the workbook should not decide the path for you.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### E-filing and mailing checklist (#efiling-and-mailing)
Claim: NH estate materials describe electronic filing for estate processes unless an exception applies, and identify original or certified documents that may need to be mailed to the Estates Electronic Filing Center.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: Cover letter for death certificate or original will. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-05/nhjb-3020-pe-deathcertororigwillletter.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Fee check (#fee-check)
Claim: Use the current Circuit Court fee schedule and confirm fees directly with the court before filing; do not rely on stale screenshots or estimates.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Circuit Court filing fees. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/filing_fees.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Inventory preparation (#inventory-preparation)
Claim: Start a working inventory list from official categories such as institutions, statements, vehicle titles, deed details, insurance, pensions, tax records, public-assistance records, and contact information.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: Filing an Inventory overview. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/prepareinventory.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
## Wait For Appointment Before Controlling Assets (#authority-checkpoint)

Answer: Before appointment, organize records and questions; after appointment, institutions may ask for the Certificate of Appointment, raised-seal copies, or their own forms.

Section sources:

- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

- NH Judicial Branch: Certificates of Appointment administrative order. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/ao0010.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Before appointment (#before-appointment)
Claim: Before appointment, organize records, secure documents, make lists, and prepare questions; do not assume you can access, close, transfer, distribute, or sell estate assets.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### After appointment (#after-appointment)
Claim: Official NH materials describe the Certificate of Appointment as the document needed to take control of the decedent's assets, and some institutions may ask for raised-seal copies or their own forms.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: Certificates of Appointment administrative order. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/ao0010.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
## Prepare For Bank And Brokerage Questions (#bank-documents)

Answer: Before calling a bank, gather identity, appointment, death-certificate, institution, and account-context information, then ask the bank what its deceased-account process requires.

Section sources:

- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

- NH Judicial Branch: Certificates of Appointment administrative order. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/ao0010.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Documents to prepare before calling (#bank-documents-before-calling)
Claim: Prepare a certified death certificate, Certificate of Appointment when issued, your government-issued photo ID, known institution names, partial account identifiers, and any institution-specific deceased-customer instructions.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: Certificates of Appointment administrative order. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/ao0010.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Process question to ask (#bank-process-question)
Claim: Ask which documents the bank requires, whether it has an estate-services team, and what secure delivery method it prefers before submitting sensitive documents.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: Certificates of Appointment administrative order. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/ao0010.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

--- BEGIN PARAMETERIZABLE ARTIFACT: bank-contact-script ---
Title: Bank-contact script
Purpose: Use this before sending sensitive documents. Replace every bracketed field and let the institution define its own requirements.
Slots:
- [fill: institution name]
- [fill: decedent full legal name]
- [fill: your role]
- [fill: safest contact method]
Body:
Hello, I am contacting [fill: institution name] about the estate of [fill: decedent full legal name].

I am [fill: your role] and want to understand your deceased-customer or estate process before submitting documents.

Which documents do you require from an executor or administrator? Do you need a certified death certificate, Certificate of Appointment, raised-seal copy, photo ID, or your own claim or closure forms?

Is there a deceased-account or estate-services team I should work with, and what is the safest way to send documents?

Please reply using [fill: safest contact method].
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: Certificates of Appointment administrative order. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/ao0010.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
--- END PARAMETERIZABLE ARTIFACT: bank-contact-script ---
## Send A Neutral Family Update (#family-update)

Answer: A useful update says what is being gathered, what will wait for appointment or review, and how legal-rights questions will be handled.

Section sources:

- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Name the known work (#family-known-facts)
Claim: Tell family members that you are gathering death certificates, the original will or codicils if any, and known account or property records.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: Cover letter for death certificate or original will. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-05/nhjb-3020-pe-deathcertororigwillletter.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Avoid distribution promises (#family-no-distribution-promise)
Claim: Do not promise asset access or distributions before court appointment, inventory, debts, taxes, and other requirements are understood.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Collect legal questions for review (#family-attorney-review)
Claim: If a family question involves legal rights, ownership, debts, or distribution timing, collect it for court or attorney review rather than answering from memory.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

--- BEGIN PARAMETERIZABLE ARTIFACT: family-update-template ---
Title: Family-update template
Purpose: Use neutral wording so the update does not promise legal conclusions, account access, or distribution timing.
Slots:
- [fill: family member or group]
- [fill: decedent name]
- [fill: next update timing]
- [fill: preferred contact method]
Body:
Hi [fill: family member or group],

I am gathering the documents needed for the New Hampshire estate process for [fill: decedent name], including certified death certificates, the original will or codicils if any, and known account or property records.

I am not accessing or distributing estate assets before the court appointment step is complete. Once appointment is issued, the court requests more information, or there is another clear update, I will send another note by [fill: next update timing].

If a question involves legal rights, ownership, debts, or distribution timing, I will collect it for court or attorney review rather than answering from memory.

Please send questions by [fill: preferred contact method].
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
--- END PARAMETERIZABLE ARTIFACT: family-update-template ---
## Pause For Court Or Attorney Review (#review-flags)

Answer: Pause when facts are disputed, debts may exceed assets, ownership is unclear, or anyone wants distributions before authority, inventory, debts, taxes, and court requirements are understood.

Section sources:

- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

- NH Judicial Branch: Filing an Inventory overview. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/prepareinventory.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Dispute or litigation threat (#dispute-or-litigation)
Claim: Pause if a beneficiary or family member is objecting, threatening litigation, or disputing facts.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Debt pressure (#debt-pressure)
Claim: Pause if debts may exceed estate assets or creditor claims are already creating pressure.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Minor beneficiaries, trusts, special needs, or business interests (#minor-trust-business)
Claim: Pause if the estate includes minor beneficiaries, trust questions, special-needs issues, or business interests.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Real estate or cross-state property (#real-estate-or-cross-state-assets)
Claim: Pause if real estate may need to be sold, transferred, or handled across state lines.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: Filing an Inventory overview. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/prepareinventory.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Unclear ownership or beneficiary status (#unclear-ownership)
Claim: Pause if account ownership, payable-on-death status, beneficiary designations, or title are unclear.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Filing an Inventory overview. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/prepareinventory.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

### Premature distribution pressure (#premature-distribution-pressure)
Claim: Pause if anyone is asking for distributions before authority, inventory, debts, taxes, and court requirements are understood.
Sources:
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What should an executor do first in New Hampshire? (#faq-first-step)
Start by organizing documents and facts: order or locate certified death certificates, secure the will and codicils if any, list assets and bills, save date-of-death records, and write down questions before making legal or distribution decisions. Sources: NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17. NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17. NH Judicial Branch: Filing an Inventory overview. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/prepareinventory.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17. NH Judicial Branch: Cover letter for death certificate or original will. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-05/nhjb-3020-pe-deathcertororigwillletter.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
### Is this New Hampshire executor workbook legal advice? (#faq-legal-advice)
No. It summarizes public sources and practical preparation steps. It does not decide whether probate is required, whether a will is valid, who inherits, whether claims should be paid, or when property can be distributed. If a fact is disputed or unclear, pause and consult a New Hampshire probate attorney or the court. Sources: NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.
### What should an executor prepare before contacting a bank? (#faq-bank-prep)
Prepare a certified death certificate, Certificate of Appointment when issued, government-issued photo ID, known institution names, partial account identifiers, and any institution-specific deceased-customer instructions. Ask the bank what it requires before sending documents. Sources: NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17. NH Judicial Branch: Certificates of Appointment administrative order. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/ao0010.pdf Accessed 2026-05-17.

# Your 1st Week as an Executor in New Hampshire

Canonical URL: https://executorworkbook.com/what-to-do-when-someone-dies-in-new-hampshire
Updated: 2026-05-24
Target query: what to do when someone dies in New Hampshire

## Opening Answer

If someone has just died in New Hampshire, this page is meant to help you find the next steady step, not make you read a full probate guide. It is New Hampshire-specific, source-linked, and does not ask for a signup. Start with the section that matches where you are right now. Some work belongs to medical staff, a funeral home, a clerk, the court, or a later executor; you do not have to sort all of it today.

## Out-of-State Reader Note

Out of state? Use the same four sections by timing, then save or send this page to the person in New Hampshire handling calls. Link: /#first-week

## Triage Sections

### Still At The Hospital, Home, Or Facility (#hospital-home-facility)
Start with the place where the death happened. If you are in a hospital, nursing home, assisted-living facility, or hospice setting, ask the staff who is responsible for the next handoff and what information they need from family. If you are at home and no nurse, hospice contact, doctor, or emergency responder is already involved, call local emergency help before moving the person or sorting belongings. New Hampshire death-record paperwork is handled through medical certification, funeral director, next of kin, designated agent, city or town clerk, and vital-record processes; you are not expected to solve that system alone in the first hour. Write down the name of the person you spoke with, the time, location, and next handoff before calling others.
What can safely wait: bank calls, probate research, house cleanout, and account decisions can wait until the death is handled and records begin.
Next source-linked action: Read NH death-record initiation rules: https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/I/5-C/5-C-63.htm
Sources: NH RSA 5-C:63: Initiation of the Death Record. https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/I/5-C/5-C-63.htm Accessed 2026-05-24. NH RSA 5-C:62: Death Registration Forms. https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/I/5-C/5-C-62.htm Accessed 2026-05-24.
### A Funeral Home Is Involved (#funeral-home)
If a funeral home is already involved, let that be the main logistics channel for the body, death-record filing questions, and certified-copy timing. Ask one practical question: what will you handle, and what do you need from family today? Keep notes, because someone else in the family may need the same answer later. The funeral home may help coordinate the death record and tell you when certified copies can be ordered or picked up. You can also ask how many copies families commonly start with, while remembering that banks, insurers, court filings, and benefit providers may each have their own rules. Stay in information-gathering mode; you do not need to decide probate, inheritance, or account closure because a funeral director has opened a file.
What can safely wait: choosing an estate path, contacting every bank, and promising family timelines can wait until the immediate logistics are stable.
Next source-linked action: Read NH death-registration rules: https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/I/5-C/5-C-62.htm
Sources: NH RSA 5-C:62: Death Registration Forms. https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/I/5-C/5-C-62.htm Accessed 2026-05-24. NH Secretary of State: Request for Certificates. https://sos.nh.gov/archives-vital-records-records-management/vital-records/nh-vital-records-information-network-nhvrinweb/ Accessed 2026-05-24.
### You Have, Or Will Soon Have, Death Certificates (#death-certificates)
Certified death certificates are the paper many institutions ask for before they will talk about next steps. In New Hampshire, access to recent death records is limited to people with a direct and tangible interest, and certified copies can be requested through the Division of Vital Records Administration or local city and town clerks. If a funeral home is helping, ask when copies will be available and whether they can order them for the family. If you are ordering yourself, use the official application route and bring or send the identification and fee the clerk requires. Make a small list of likely needs before ordering a large stack: court, bank, insurance, pension, vehicle, and property questions may not all require copies at the same time.
What can safely wait: closing accounts, changing titles, and final distribution decisions can wait until you know which certified copies are actually required.
Next source-linked action: Request NH vital records certificates: https://sos.nh.gov/archives-vital-records-records-management/vital-records/nh-vital-records-information-network-nhvrinweb/
Sources: NH Secretary of State: Vital Records. https://sos.nh.gov/archives-vital-records-records-management/vital-records/ Accessed 2026-05-24. NH Secretary of State: Request for Certificates. https://sos.nh.gov/archives-vital-records-records-management/vital-records/nh-vital-records-information-network-nhvrinweb/ Accessed 2026-05-24. NH Judicial Branch: Opening an Estate of a Deceased Person. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/estatewwill.pdf Accessed 2026-05-24.
### You Are Going To Handle The Estate (#handle-estate)
If you are the person likely to handle the estate, shift from immediate death logistics to careful organization. Secure the original will and any codicils if they exist, keep certified death certificates together, list known banks, vehicles, real estate, benefits, bills, and family contacts, and save statements that show values near the date of death. Do not assume you can access, transfer, sell, or distribute estate assets before court authority and institution requirements are clear. The Executor Workbook can help organize the first week after a New Hampshire death without asking for private account details. If there is family conflict, unclear ownership, debt pressure, minor beneficiaries, business interests, trust questions, or property in another state, pause for a New Hampshire probate attorney or the court.
What can safely wait: distributions, account closure, real-estate decisions, and legal conclusions can wait until authority and unclear facts are reviewed.
Next source-linked action: Use the first-week organizer: /#first-week
Sources: NH Judicial Branch: Opening an Estate of a Deceased Person. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/estatewwill.pdf Accessed 2026-05-24. NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-24. First-week organizer. https://executorworkbook.com/#first-week Accessed 2026-05-24.

## Printable Artifact

Title: NH First Week: What's Happening and Who Handles It
URL: https://executorworkbook.com/printables/nh-first-week-whats-happening-and-who-handles-it.pdf
Columns: What's happening / Who handles this / What you don't have to do yet
- You are helping from outside New Hampshire.
  Who handles this: You can keep notes, make calls, and forward this handout to the person handling local steps.
  What can wait: You do not have to solve every NH office, bank, or court question before a local handoff is clear.
- The death has just happened at a hospital, home, hospice, or facility.
  Who handles this: Staff, hospice, emergency responders, a funeral home, or another responsible contact handles the immediate handoff.
  What can wait: You do not have to call banks, clean out the house, or decide probate today.
- A funeral home is involved.
  Who handles this: The funeral home can explain what it handles, what family information is needed, and when certified copies may be available.
  What can wait: You do not have to decide inheritance, account closure, or family timelines because a file has been opened.
- Certified death certificates are available or coming soon.
  Who handles this: A funeral home, NH Vital Records, or a city or town clerk may help qualified requesters get certified copies.
  What can wait: You do not have to order a large stack or send copies everywhere before each institution asks.
- Someone will handle the estate.
  Who handles this: That person gathers the will, certificates, asset and bill lists, family contacts, and questions for the court or attorney.
  What can wait: You do not have to access, transfer, sell, or distribute estate assets before authority is clear.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What to do when someone dies in New Hampshire? (#faq-what-to-do)
Start with the immediate handoff: staff, hospice, emergency help, or the funeral home. Then gather certified death certificate information and save estate decisions for the person who will handle the court and institution steps.
Sources: NH RSA 5-C:63: Initiation of the Death Record. https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/I/5-C/5-C-63.htm Accessed 2026-05-24. NH RSA 5-C:62: Death Registration Forms. https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/I/5-C/5-C-62.htm Accessed 2026-05-24. NH Judicial Branch: Opening an Estate of a Deceased Person. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/estatewwill.pdf Accessed 2026-05-24.
### Who do you call when someone dies at home in NH? (#faq-at-home)
If hospice, a nurse, doctor, or another professional is already involved, start with that contact. If no professional is involved or the situation is unexpected, call local emergency help before moving the person or sorting belongings.
Sources: NH RSA 5-C:63: Initiation of the Death Record. https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/I/5-C/5-C-63.htm Accessed 2026-05-24. NH RSA 5-C:62: Death Registration Forms. https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/I/5-C/5-C-62.htm Accessed 2026-05-24.
### How do I get a death certificate in New Hampshire? (#faq-death-certificate)
Recent New Hampshire death records have restricted access. Qualified requesters can use the official certificate application route through the Division of Vital Records Administration or a local city or town clerk, with identification and fees.
Sources: NH Secretary of State: Vital Records. https://sos.nh.gov/archives-vital-records-records-management/vital-records/ Accessed 2026-05-24. NH Secretary of State: Request for Certificates. https://sos.nh.gov/archives-vital-records-records-management/vital-records/nh-vital-records-information-network-nhvrinweb/ Accessed 2026-05-24.
### What can wait after someone dies in New Hampshire? (#faq-what-can-wait)
Bank calls, account closures, title changes, distributions, probate path decisions, and legal conclusions can usually wait while the death is handled, certified copies are requested, and the likely estate handler organizes records.
Sources: NH Judicial Branch: Opening an Estate of a Deceased Person. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/estatewwill.pdf Accessed 2026-05-24. NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-24.
### Do I need to start probate right away in New Hampshire? (#faq-probate-right-away)
Not from this page alone. Use the first days to gather the will, certified death certificates, asset and bill lists, and questions. Whether probate is needed depends on facts that may require court materials or attorney review.
Sources: NH Judicial Branch: Opening an Estate of a Deceased Person. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/estatewwill.pdf Accessed 2026-05-24. NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf Accessed 2026-05-24.
### What should an out-of-state family member do after a death in NH? (#faq-out-of-state)
Use the same timing as someone in New Hampshire: confirm the immediate handoff, keep notes, help gather certificate and estate information, and send this page or the printable handout to the person handling local calls.
Sources: NH RSA 5-C:62: Death Registration Forms. https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/I/5-C/5-C-62.htm Accessed 2026-05-24. NH Secretary of State: Request for Certificates. https://sos.nh.gov/archives-vital-records-records-management/vital-records/nh-vital-records-information-network-nhvrinweb/ Accessed 2026-05-24. NH Judicial Branch: Opening an Estate of a Deceased Person. https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/estatewwill.pdf Accessed 2026-05-24.

## Official Sources

- NH RSA 5-C:63: Initiation of the Death Record
  URL: https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/I/5-C/5-C-63.htm
  Accessed: 2026-05-24
  Use: Official New Hampshire statute describing death-record initiation when a death occurs in a hospital or health care facility.
- NH RSA 5-C:62: Death Registration Forms
  URL: https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/I/5-C/5-C-62.htm
  Accessed: 2026-05-24
  Use: Official New Hampshire statute describing who may file death-record information and the 36-hour filing reference.
- NH Secretary of State: Vital Records
  URL: https://sos.nh.gov/archives-vital-records-records-management/vital-records/
  Accessed: 2026-05-24
  Use: Official New Hampshire vital-records landing page and contact context.
- NH Secretary of State: Request for Certificates
  URL: https://sos.nh.gov/archives-vital-records-records-management/vital-records/nh-vital-records-information-network-nhvrinweb/
  Accessed: 2026-05-24
  Use: Official New Hampshire certificate request page describing applications, positive identification, fees, city and town clerks, and direct-and-tangible-interest access.
- NH Judicial Branch: Opening an Estate of a Deceased Person
  URL: https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/estatewwill.pdf
  Accessed: 2026-05-24
  Use: Official court overview used for estate-opening context, certified death certificate references, and executor/administrator orientation.
- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet
  URL: https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf
  Accessed: 2026-05-24
  Use: Official court booklet used for executor and administrator duties, checklist framing, and attorney-review boundaries.
- First-week organizer
  URL: https://executorworkbook.com/#first-week
  Accessed: 2026-05-24
  Use: Existing source-linked workbook section used as the closest current destination until spoke pages exist.

## Machine-Use Notes

This page is for New Hampshire-specific first-week orientation after a death. It is not legal advice, does not decide probate eligibility, and should route contested facts, unclear ownership, creditor pressure, distributions, trusts, business interests, minor beneficiaries, real estate sale questions, and cross-state property to the court or a New Hampshire probate attorney.

## Official Sources

- NH Judicial Branch: Administering an Estate booklet
  URL: https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/administeringanestatebookletforecourt.pdf
  Accessed: 2026-05-17
  Use: Official estate administration overview used for the broad sequence, document checklist, general timeline, inventory timing, six-month period context, and accounting context.
- NH Judicial Branch: What to Expect After You File a Petition for Estate Administration
  URL: https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/afterpetitionforestateadmin.pdf
  Accessed: 2026-05-17
  Use: Official after-petition guidance used for mailing reminders, appointment language, Certificate of Appointment context, inventory timing, and six-month next-step framing.
- NH Judicial Branch: Filing an Inventory overview
  URL: https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-07/prepareinventory.pdf
  Accessed: 2026-05-17
  Use: Official inventory overview used for the 90-day post-appointment reference and asset categories.
- NH Judicial Branch: Circuit Court filing fees
  URL: https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/filing_fees.pdf
  Accessed: 2026-05-17
  Use: Official filing-fee schedule used only as a pointer to confirm fees directly with the court before filing.
- NH Judicial Branch: Cover letter for death certificate or original will
  URL: https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-05/nhjb-3020-pe-deathcertororigwillletter.pdf
  Accessed: 2026-05-17
  Use: Official court form used as source context for mailing certified death certificates, original wills, codicils, or authenticated will copies to the Estates Electronic Filing Center.
- NH Judicial Branch: Certificates of Appointment administrative order
  URL: https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-06/ao0010.pdf
  Accessed: 2026-05-17
  Use: Official administrative order used as source context for Certificates of Appointment and letters of appointment.

## Machine-Use Notes

Every procedural claim above includes at least one source URL and accessed date. The copy-ready artifacts are intentionally bracketed with [fill: ...] slots so an assistant can lift, complete, and present them without guessing structure.