Detailed Answer — What you can do under New Hampshire law

This answer explains the common civil routes available in New Hampshire when relatives or heirs remove personal property from a house before you lawfully take possession. It assumes you already have a court order or other legal right to possession (for example, a deed, a court possession order, or a probate distribution order). It does not replace legal advice from a lawyer.

Short answer: Yes — you may be able to recover personal items or their value and to ask the court to enforce its order. Which remedy is best depends on the facts: whether the items still exist and are identifiable, whether you can prove ownership, and which court issued the prior order. Common options are enforcement of the existing court order (including a contempt or enforcement motion), asking law enforcement or the sheriff to execute a writ of possession, or bringing a civil claim (replevin to get items back or a conversion/tort claim for damages).

Step-by-step approach

1. Document what happened immediately. Create a time-stamped inventory of missing items (photos, serial numbers, receipts, appraisals). Note who removed them, when, and any witnesses. Preservation of evidence is critical.
2. Identify which court has authority. If the removal violates an existing court order (for example, a possession order from a civil or probate court), that same court typically has authority to enforce its order. If no order exists, a civil claim in the Superior Court (or small claims court for lower-value items) may be appropriate.
3. Seek immediate enforcement of the prior order. If a court already ordered that you take possession and heirs removed items in violation of that order, file a motion in the issuing court to enforce the order. Relief may include an order directing the return of property, monetary sanctions, and sometimes an order finding the wrongdoer in contempt. Ask the clerk or an attorney for local procedures and required forms.
4. Use the sheriff or marshal when appropriate. New Hampshire courts often rely on county sheriffs to execute writs of possession and other enforcement orders. If the court grants an order for return of property or possession of the premises, you may ask the court to issue an execution or writ that the sheriff can carry out.
5. Consider a replevin action to recover specific items. Replevin (or a similar possessory action) seeks the immediate return of identified, fungible personal property. If items are gone or unidentifiable, conversion or damages may be the remedy instead.
6. Consider a conversion or tort claim for value. If the items cannot be located or have been destroyed or sold, you can sue for their fair market value (conversion), plus possible consequential losses. Evidence of ownership and value will be required.
7. Preserve civil remedies and criminal options. If heirs’ conduct rose to theft or criminal misappropriation, you may have the option to report the conduct to law enforcement; however, courts treat most of these disputes as civil. Law enforcement often will not act if a civil court order is needed to sort property disputes.

What you must prove

• That you (or the court order) had the right to possession of the items or the premises.
• That the items removed were identifiable and belonged to you or to the estate/person to whom the court awarded them.
• That the heirs removed the items without your consent and in violation of the court’s order (if enforcement of an order is the chosen route).

Typical remedies courts grant in New Hampshire

• Order returning the items to you (if the items still exist and are identifiable).
• Monetary judgment for the value of items (if items are gone or destroyed).
• Costs, interest, and possibly attorney’s fees when authorized by statute or agreement.
• Contempt findings and sanctions if a party willfully disobeyed a court order.

Practical timing and urgency

Act quickly. The sooner you document the loss and involve the court or sheriff, the greater the chance of recovery. Once items are sold, moved out of state, or dispersed, recovery becomes harder and sometimes impossible.

Where to start in New Hampshire

Contact the clerk of the court that issued the order, the county sheriff’s office for information about executing writs, or a civil attorney if you need to file a new action (replevin or conversion). Helpful official resources include the New Hampshire Judicial Branch (courts) website and the state statutes search:

• New Hampshire Judicial Branch — court locations, clerk contact information, and self-help resources.
• New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (searchable) — use this to locate statutes on enforcement, remedies, and procedure.

Note about probate situations: If the situation involves property from a decedent’s estate, the Probate Court may be the proper forum to enforce distribution orders. The Probate Court can enforce its orders, and removal of estate property by heirs in violation of probate orders can be addressed there.

When to consult a lawyer: If the items are valuable, if the facts are contested (who owned what), or if the heirs assert a competing legal right, get a lawyer experienced in civil recovery or probate. A lawyer can draft a precise motion to enforce an order, a replevin complaint, or other pleadings and can advise on evidence and deadlines.

Helpful Hints

• Immediately photograph the room, the missing areas, and any signs of removal (boxes, truck, etc.).
• Make a detailed inventory with serial numbers, receipts, and photographs of items you claim.
• Save text messages, emails, or letters where heirs admit taking items or discuss disposition.
• Send a written demand for return before filing suit — this can help in court and may be required in some cases.
• Ask the court for temporary relief if you fear immediate loss (for example, a temporary restraining order or an order directing the sheriff to prevent further removal).
• If the house is occupied and emotions are high, avoid confrontations. Use the court and law enforcement to enforce rights safely.
• If the dispute arises from a probate distribution, file the issue in Probate Court where possible, because Probate Courts manage estate property and distribution disputes.
• Keep all receipts and records of costs you incur to retrieve or replace items — you may recover those costs in a successful suit.
• Act quickly — delay reduces the chance of recovery and can create arguments that you acquiesced.