Overview
Coos County is located in New Hampshire with a population of approximately 31,100. The 1st Circuit - Probate Division - Lancaster 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 New Hampshire Revised Statutes 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 estates where the administrator is the sole beneficiary or if the estate is valued at $25,000 or less. This simplified process waives the requirement for an inventory and full accounting.
Filing fees in New Hampshire are tiered based on the value of the estate, starting at approximately $150 for estates valued under $10,000.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Coos 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
1st Circuit - Probate Division - Lancaster
Probate matters in Coos County are handled at the Coos County Courthouse.
Address: 55 School Street, Suite 104, Lancaster, NH 03584
Phone: (855) 212-1234 (Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Located in the county seat of Lancaster, this court handles probate matters for all of Coos County.
Parking and Access
Street parking is available near 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 the estate is valued at $25,000 or less.
- Voluntary Administration: For very small estates consisting entirely of personal property.
- 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 1st Circuit - Probate Division - Lancaster. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee amount (starts at $150)
- Legatees and Devisees Form
- Any additional required documents
New Hampshire Probate Court requires e-filing for most estate matters via the TurboCourt system.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 15 days before the hearing
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Coos County for once a week for three 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.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors — creditors have 6 months from the date of appointment 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
Coos County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Mandatory for attorneys and most pro se litigants via TurboCourt.
- Bond: Corporate surety bond may be required unless waived by the will or all beneficiaries.
- Inventory: Must be filed within 90 days of appointment.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Coos County for three successive weeks.
Check with the court clerk for any specific local rules regarding remote hearings or document submission preferences.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Coos County)
- Petition for Estate Administration: approximately $150+ (varies by estate value)
- Publication Fee: approximately $55
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $60-$150 depending on the newspaper
- Motion fees: ~$25
New Hampshire filing fees are set by the state legislature and are uniform across all counties.
Payment Methods
The court accepts credit/debit cards (online), checks, or money orders. Electronic filing fees are paid directly through the TurboCourt system.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The 6-month creditor claim period sets a minimum duration for most formal probate cases.
Local Resources
Coos County Court Resources
- Court Website: courts.nh.gov
- Probate Self-Help: NH Judicial Branch Estate Resources
- NH Probate Forms: Official Court 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 Coös County Democrat: (603) 788-4939 — Weekly newspaper
- Berlin Daily Sun: (603) 752-5858 — Daily newspaper serving the region