Detailed Answer
Gathering key information and documents before a person’s passing greatly accelerates the probate process in New Hampshire. Probate is the court-supervised process to validate a will, appoint a personal representative, inventory assets, pay debts, and distribute property to heirs or beneficiaries. See RSA 551:1 (will definition) and RSA 556:1 (opening an estate).
Below is a categorized list of items to compile:
1. Estate Planning Documents
- Original Will and Codicils: Signed and witnessed versions; include safely stored copies.
- Trust Agreements: Revocable or irrevocable trust documents and amendments.
- Powers of Attorney: Financial and healthcare powers to understand decision-maker designations.
- Advance Health Care Directives: Living will and designations of health care agents.
2. Asset Records
- Real Estate Deeds: Titles, deeds, survey maps, and mortgage statements.
- Vehicle Titles: Cars, boats, motorcycles.
- Bank and Investment Accounts: Recent statements, account numbers, institution contact info.
- Retirement and Pension Plans: 401(k), IRA, pension paperwork, beneficiary designations.
- Life Insurance Policies: Policy numbers, insurer contact info, beneficiary names.
- Business Ownership Documents: Partnership agreements, corporate bylaws, membership certificates.
3. Debts and Liabilities
- Mortgage and Loan Statements: Lender names, account numbers, pay-off amounts.
- Credit Card Accounts: Statements and creditor contact details.
- Medical and Utility Bills: Recent invoices, provider names.
4. Personal Information
- Decedent’s Personal Data: Full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, date of death.
- Family Records: Marriage certificate, divorce decrees, birth certificates of children.
- Beneficiary and Heir Contact Info: Names, addresses, phone numbers.
5. Digital Assets
- Online Account Inventory: Usernames, passwords, two-factor info for email, social media, cryptocurrency wallets.
- Digital Photo and Document Repositories: Cloud storage logins.
6. Miscellaneous
- Safe Deposit Box: Location, box number, key holder’s identity.
- Mail Handling Instructions: Postal service holds or forwarding orders.
Having these documents organized and easily accessible allows the appointed personal representative to file for probate more quickly, reduce court fees, and minimize family disputes.
Helpful Hints
- Store originals in a lockable, fire-safe box and share location details with trusted individuals.
- Keep an updated checklist of documents and review annually.
- Inform your personal representative or executor of password managers or digital vaults being used.
- Maintain a list of professionals (attorney, accountant, financial advisor) familiar with your estate plan.
- Confirm beneficiary designations on retirement and insurance accounts match your will or trust.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified attorney in New Hampshire for advice tailored to your situation.