Overview
Strafford County is located in New Hampshire with a population of approximately 134,202. The 7th Circuit - Probate Division - Dover 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 552 (Wills) and RSA 553 (Administrators). 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 of Appointment to the administrator or executor.
New Hampshire offers simplified procedures for smaller estates. A Waiver of Full Administration (RSA 553:32) is available when the sole beneficiary is appointed as the administrator. Additionally, estates valued at $25,000 or less may qualify for a simplified voluntary administration process.
Filing fees in New Hampshire are tiered based on the value of the estate, ranging from $150 for small estates to $305 for estates over $25,000.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Strafford 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
7th Circuit - Probate Division - Dover
Probate matters in Strafford County are handled at the William A. Grimes Justice & Administration Building.
Address: 259 County Farm Road, Suite 203, Dover, NH 03820
Phone: 1-855-212-1234 (Circuit Court Call Center)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Division is located in the county complex in Dover. It shares the facility with the Superior Court.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse. All visitors must pass through security screening upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Waiver of Administration: Available if the appointed administrator is the sole beneficiary of the estate (RSA 553:32).
- Small Estate: Estates valued at $25,000 or less may qualify for simplified voluntary administration.
- 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 7th Circuit - Probate Division. Include:
- Original Will and Codicils (if any)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Appointment of Resident Agent (if administrator lives out of state)
- Filing fee (varies by estate value)
- Legatees and Devisees form (NHJB-2150-P)
New Hampshire requires electronic filing (e-filing) for most estate cases via TurboCourt, unless you are a self-represented litigant who chooses to file by paper.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, the court will issue a Notice of Appointment. You must:
- Mail notice to all heirs and beneficiaries.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Strafford County (typically Foster's Daily Democrat) if required by the court. The court often handles the arrangement of publication for a fee.
Step 4: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters of Appointment, the personal representative must:
- Inventory all estate assets and file the inventory with the court within 90 days (Form NHJB-2125-Pe).
- Wait for the creditor claim period to expire (6 months from the date of appointment).
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses.
- File federal tax returns if required.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Waiver of Full Administration Statement (Form NHJB-2144-Pe) or a final accounting to close the estate (typically 6-12 months after appointment).
Local Requirements
Strafford County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Attorneys are required to e-file. Self-represented litigants are encouraged to use TurboCourt but may file paper forms.
- Bond requirements: A corporate surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries assent to a personal bond.
- Publication: The court typically collects the publication fee ($55) and arranges for notice in Foster's Daily Democrat or another approved newspaper.
- Resident Agent: If the administrator resides outside of New Hampshire, they must appoint a resident agent who lives in the state to accept service of process.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Strafford County)
- Estates $10,000 or less: $150
- Estates $10,001 - $25,000: $205
- Estates over $25,000: $305
- Publication Fee: $55 (paid to court) plus newspaper costs
- Certified Copies: $20 for the first copy, $10 for subsequent copies
- Small Claim in Probate: $125
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (subject to a service fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Waiver of Administration: 6-9 months
- Regular Administration: 9-12 months minimum (due to 6-month creditor period)
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
The 6-month creditor claim period is a mandatory waiting period before the estate can be fully closed.
Local Resources
Strafford County Court Resources
- Court Website: New Hampshire Judicial Branch
- Probate Self-Help: NHJB Estate Administration
- Probate Forms: NHJB Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- New Hampshire Bar Association: (603) 224-6942 — Lawyer Referral Service
- 603 Legal Aid: (603) 224-3333 — Free legal assistance for qualifying residents
- NH Bar Lawyer Referral: nhbar.org
Publication
- Foster's Daily Democrat: (603) 742-4455 — Primary newspaper for legal notices in Dover and Strafford County