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What to Do When Someone Dies in New Hampshire

Step-by-step guide for the first days and weeks after a death in New Hampshire. Probate is heard by the Circuit Court, Probate Division, which sits in each of the 10 counties. New Hampshire calls the person who settles the estate the administrator, and that word covers an executor named in a will (RSA 553:1).

Get Death Certificates
Sources

If You Are the Named Executor in New Hampshire

If you are the named executor, personal representative, or the family member organizing a New Hampshire estate, start with the records and court tasks below at a steady pace. Each step links to its full instructions in the timeline.

  1. Order Certified Death Certificates

    Statute: RSA 5-C:10

    New Hampshire death certificates guide →

  2. Secure Property and Assets
  3. Notify the Social Security Administration
  4. File the Original Will with the Probate Division

    Statute: RSA 552:2, RSA 552:3

    New Hampshire probate guide guide →

  5. Get a Certified Death Record to the Court

    Statute: RSA 553:1-a

We're sorry for your loss. Take time to grieve and ask for help when you need it. This guide will be here when you're ready.

Timeline of Tasks

Start with the immediate tasks. Open each later phase as you reach it.

First 24 to 48 Hours

Get Official Pronouncement of Death
A medical professional must officially pronounce death before anything else can happen.
Contact a Funeral Home
The funeral home transports the body and helps with many initial tasks.
Notify Close Family and Friends
Reach out to those who need to know right away.

First Week

Order Certified Death Certificates
You will need multiple certified copies for the probate court, banks, insurers, and the DMV.
Locate Important Documents
Find the will, insurance policies, financial records, and other key papers.
Secure Property and Assets
Protect the deceased's home and belongings.
Notify the Social Security Administration
Report the death to stop benefit payments.
Plan the Funeral or Memorial Service
Make arrangements to honor your loved one.

First Month

File the Original Will with the Probate Division
Whoever holds the will must deliver it to the Circuit Court, Probate Division within 30 days of the death.
Decide Whether an Estate Has to Be Opened
Work out whether anything the deceased owned actually needs a court appointment to move.
Get a Certified Death Record to the Court
New Hampshire will not appoint an administrator until a certified copy of the death record is on file.
Notify Financial Institutions
Contact banks, investment firms, and credit card companies.
Contact Life Insurance Companies
File claims for any life insurance policies.
Notify Employers and Retirement Plans
Contact the employer and any pension or retirement plan.

Ongoing Tasks (3+ Months)

Pay Estate Debts and Expenses
Pay valid creditor claims and keep the estate's bills current.
File Tax Returns
File the final income tax return and, if the estate is large enough, the federal estate tax return.
File the Account of Administration
Account to the court for what came in and what went out.
Distribute What Is Left
Transfer assets to the people entitled once the debts are settled.
Close the Estate
Use the closing route that matches how the estate was opened.

Who to Notify

Social Security Administration
Call 1-800-772-1213
Employer / HR Department
Phone call or email
Banks & Credit Unions
Visit branch with death certificate
Insurance Companies
Call policy customer service
Credit Card Companies
Call number on card
Utility Companies
Call to transfer or cancel
DMV / Vehicle Registration
Visit in person or online
Post Office
Submit change of address form

Documents to Gather

Death Certificates

Many estates start with 10-15 certified copies because banks, insurers, property-transfer contacts, and agencies may ask for them.

How to get death certificates →

Will & Trust Documents

Look in safe deposit boxes, home safes, attorney files, and records folders.

Probate guide →

Financial Statements

Bank statements, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and recent tax returns.

Asset transfer guide →

There is no rush on this. When you are ready, a short assessment can help you see whether probate is needed.

What Comes Next?

After the first 30 days, you may need to start probate or transfer assets. The New Hampshire probate guide walks through what usually comes next.

Read the New Hampshire Probate Guide

More New Hampshire Resources

Explore the rest of the New Hampshire probate hub.

Do I need probate?4 pages
Costs and money5 pages
File for probate2 pages
Transfer assets4 pages
Learn and reference5 pages