Detailed Answer
When an administrator has limited information about potential heirs under New Hampshire law, a structured approach combining research, statutory procedures, and court-approved notices can help locate and verify heirs. Below are key steps and legal references to guide the process.
1. Gather Initial Clues
- Collect all available documents: wills, death certificates, personal papers, and correspondence.
- Note any names, nicknames, initials, approximate dates, or places of residence.
- Review family artifacts—photographs, diaries, or Bibles—for mention of relatives.
2. Search New Hampshire Public Records
- State Vital Records: Order certified birth, marriage, and death certificates from the New Hampshire Vital Records Office (sos.nh.gov/vital-records).
- Town/City Clerk Offices: Examine land records, voter lists, probate filings, and town reports in municipalities where the decedent resided.
- Probate Court Files: Request access to estate inventories, petitions for administration, and any prior distributions.
- Newspaper Archives: Check local libraries or online databases for obituaries and public notices.
3. Leverage Genealogical and Federal Databases
- U.S. Census Records: Trace family groups, addresses, and relationships every decade.
- Social Security Death Index: Identify last known addresses and claimants.
- Genealogy Websites: Use Ancestry, FamilySearch, or paid services to build family trees and contact distant relatives.
4. Follow Probate Procedures for Unknown Heirs
If certain heirs cannot be located, New Hampshire law allows notice by publication. Under RSA 551:18 (Presumption of Death) and RSA 556:4 (Appointment of Administrator), the probate court may authorize service by publication in a local newspaper. NH Probate Rule 4(c) sets out timing and frequency requirements for published citations when personal service fails.
5. Verify Heirship with Certified Evidence
- Obtain certified copies of birth, marriage, adoption, and death records that establish blood or legal relationships.
- Collect sworn affidavits from credible witnesses, such as neighbors or family friends, confirming lineage.
- Prepare a chronological summary of evidence for court review before final distribution of assets.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Helpful Hints
- Keep a research log with dates, locations, and sources for every document you review.
- Contact the New Hampshire State Archives for historical records not found elsewhere.
- Consider hiring a professional genealogist or licensed investigator for complex family trees.
- Ensure all documents submitted to the court are certified or notarized where required.
- Maintain open communication with the probate court clerk to verify procedural requirements.