Overview
Grafton County is located in New Hampshire with a population of approximately 93,000. The 2nd Circuit - Probate Division - Haverhill 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 RSA 553 (Administration) and RSA 552 (Probate of Wills). 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 simplified process called Waiver of Full Administration for estates valued at $10,000 or less, or where the sole beneficiary is also the administrator.
Note that New Hampshire requires a $55.00 administrative fee for publication on estates valued over $10,000, in addition to the newspaper's actual publication cost.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Grafton 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
2nd Circuit - Probate Division - Haverhill
Probate matters in Grafton County are handled at the Grafton County Courthouse.
Address: 3785 Dartmouth College Highway, Box 3, North Haverhill, NH 03774
Phone: 1-855-212-1234 (Court Information Center)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Division is located within the Grafton County Courthouse complex.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available in the lot directly in front of the courthouse and community building. Security screening is required upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Waiver of Full Administration: Available if the estate is valued at $10,000 or less, or if the administrator is the sole beneficiary.
- Voluntary Administration: A simplified procedure 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 2nd Circuit - Probate Division - Haverhill. Include:
- Original Will and Codicils (if any)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- Appointment of Resident Agent (if administrator is out-of-state)
- Filing fee (typically $150.00 plus publication fees if applicable)
- Legatees and Devisees form
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.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Grafton County (e.g., Union Leader or Valley News) if the estate value exceeds $10,000. The court typically manages the administrative side of this for a fee.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court may schedule a hearing on the petition, though many uncontested matters are handled administratively. If approved, the judge issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (claims must be filed within 6 months of the grant of administration)
- 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 Motion for Summary Administration or Affidavit of Administration to close the estate
Local Requirements
Grafton County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Attorneys are required to e-file. Self-represented parties are encouraged to use the TurboCourt system.
- Bond requirements: A corporate surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent to waive it.
- Publication: For estates over $10,000, notice must be published. The Union Leader is commonly used for statewide notice, while the Valley News serves the Lebanon/Hanover area.
Always check with the specific circuit clerk for any unwritten local preferences regarding document formatting or scheduling.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Grafton County)
- Petition for Estate Administration: approximately $150.00
- Publication Administrative Fee: $55.00 (payable to court for estates >$10,000)
- Newspaper Publication Cost: approximately $80-$150 (payable to newspaper)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20.00 per copy
- Small Estate / Waiver: Fees may vary, typically lower than full administration
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (subject to a convenience fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Waiver of Administration): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year to 2+ years
Creditors have 6 months from the date of appointment to file claims, which sets a minimum duration for most full administrations.
Local Resources
Grafton County Court Resources
- Court Website: courts.nh.gov
- Probate Self-Help: NH Judicial Branch Self-Help
- NH Probate Forms: Circuit Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- NH Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: 603-229-0002 — nhbar.org
- 603 Legal Aid: 603-224-3333 — 603legalaid.org
Publication
- Union Leader: 603-668-4321 — Statewide circulation
- Valley News: 603-298-8711 — Local circulation (Lebanon/Hanover)