Overview
Cheshire County is located in New Hampshire with a population of approximately 77,000. The 8th Circuit – Probate Division – Keene handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
New Hampshire probate is governed by NH Rev. Stat. Ann. Title LVI (Chapters 547-567). The process begins with filing a Petition for Estate Administration (Form NHJB-2145-P) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
New Hampshire offers a Waiver of Administration for simplified probate. This is available if the administrator is the sole beneficiary of the estate, or if all beneficiaries are specific relatives (spouse, parent, child) and they all consent. This process waives the requirement for a full inventory and accounting.
Filing fees in New Hampshire are determined by the value of the estate. For estates valued at $25,000 or less, the fee is $150. For estates valued over $25,000, the fee is $305. There is also a publication fee of approximately $55.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Cheshire County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
8th Circuit – Probate Division – Keene
Probate matters in Cheshire County are handled at the Cheshire County Courthouse.
Address: 33 Winter Street, Suite 1, Keene, NH 03431
Phone: 1-855-212-1234 (Circuit Court Information Center)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Division is located in the Cheshire County Courthouse in downtown Keene. It shares the facility with the Superior Court.
Parking and Access
There is metered street parking available on Winter Street and surrounding streets. There are also municipal parking lots nearby. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the courthouse.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Waiver of Administration: Available if the administrator is the sole beneficiary or if all beneficiaries are specific relatives (spouse, parent, child) and consent. No specific dollar cap, but simplifies inventory and accounting.
- Small Estate Administration: For estates valued at $10,000 or less, a simplified petition with a lower filing fee ($150) is available.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Estate Administration (Form NHJB-2145-P) with the 8th Circuit – Probate Division – Keene. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Death Certificate
- Legatees and Devisees form (NHJB-2150-P)
- $305 (for estates over $25,000)
- Appointment of Resident Agent (if administrator is out-of-state)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and available for self-represented litigants via TurboCourt.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 14 days before the hearing (if a hearing is required)
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Cheshire County for once a week for two successive weeks
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 30 to 60 days after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. Many uncontested matters are handled administratively without a formal hearing.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors — creditors have 6 months from the date of the Grant of Administration to file claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 90 days
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Cheshire County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: New Hampshire utilizes a centralized e-filing system (TurboCourt) for probate matters.
- Bond: A corporate surety bond may be required unless waived by the will or all beneficiaries.
- Case Access: Case records can be accessed via the NH Judicial Branch Case Access Portal.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Cheshire County for two consecutive weeks.
NH Circuit Court Probate Division Rules apply statewide.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Cheshire County)
- Petition for Estate Administration (Estates >$25k): approximately $305
- Petition for Estate Administration (Estates <$10k): approximately $150
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $55 (court fee) + newspaper costs
- Motion fees: approximately $25-$50
New Hampshire does not have a statutory percentage fee for attorneys or executors; fees must be reasonable based on services rendered.
Payment Methods
The court accepts checks, money orders, or credit cards (via e-filing). Credit card payments are subject to a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years
Creditors have 6 months to file claims, which sets a minimum duration for most formal probates.
Local Resources
Cheshire County Court Resources
- Court Website: courts.nh.gov
- Probate Self-Help: NH Probate Division
- NH Judicial Branch Forms: Estate and Trust Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- New Hampshire Bar Association: (603) 224-6942 — Professional association for NH lawyers
- 603 Legal Aid: 1-800-639-5290 — Free legal services for eligible low-income residents
- NH Bar Lawyer Referral Service: nhbar.org
Publication
- The Keene Sentinel: (603) 352-1234 — Newspaper of general circulation
- Monadnock Ledger-Transcript: (603) 924-7172 — Local newspaper