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New Hampshire Estate Planning

Get your own affairs in order in New Hampshire, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.

Which document do I need?

The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its New Hampshire guide.

Will
New Hampshire will requirements under RSA 551:2: age 18 or married, sane mind, a signed writing, two credible witnesses, no handwritten wills, no notary. Read the guide
Living trust
A New Hampshire revocable living trust under RSA 564-B: what the Trust Code requires, how to fund it, and the pour-over will rule that makes a gift lapse. Read the guide
Power of attorney
New Hampshire power of attorney rules under RSA 564-E: durable by default, notarized with no witnesses, plus a disclosure statement and an agent who must sign. Read the guide
Healthcare directive
New Hampshire puts a health care power of attorney and a living will in one advance directive under RSA 137-J. Sign before two witnesses or a notary, not both. Read the guide

New Hampshire estate planning guides

New Hampshire Estate Planning Basics

New Hampshire estate planning runs on four documents: a will, a durable power of attorney, an advance directive, and often a trust. Here is what each one needs.

New Hampshire Will Requirements

New Hampshire will requirements under RSA 551:2: age 18 or married, sane mind, a signed writing, two credible witnesses, no handwritten wills, no notary.

New Hampshire Power of Attorney

New Hampshire power of attorney rules under RSA 564-E: durable by default, notarized with no witnesses, plus a disclosure statement and an agent who must sign.

New Hampshire Advance Directive

New Hampshire puts a health care power of attorney and a living will in one advance directive under RSA 137-J. Sign before two witnesses or a notary, not both.

New Hampshire Guardianship Planning

New Hampshire proves an adult guardianship beyond a reasonable doubt under RSA 464-A:9, and RSA 464-A:10 lets you name your guardian and bar anyone you exclude.

New Hampshire Revocable Living Trust

A New Hampshire revocable living trust under RSA 564-B: what the Trust Code requires, how to fund it, and the pour-over will rule that makes a gift lapse.

New Hampshire Trust Administration

New Hampshire trust administration runs on RSA 564-B: three 60-day notice clocks, yearly beneficiary reports, and a one-year claim bar only a trustee can use.

New Hampshire Transfer on Death Deed

A New Hampshire transfer on death deed moves real estate outside probate under RSA 563-D. It is void unless recorded before death and within 60 days of signing.

Not sure what you need in New Hampshire?

Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.

Information current as of 2026-06-18

Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.