How to protect life insurance proceeds in NH when no beneficiary is named from creditor claims?
Protecting Life Insurance Proceeds When No Beneficiary Is Named — New Hampshire (NH) Short answer If a life insurance policy has no valid, living beneficiary at death, the insurer will usually pay the proceeds to the decedent’s probate estate. Once proceeds become part of the probate estate they are generally reachable by the decedent’s creditors […]
Read article →What should I do if an heir refuses to return estate property and the estate is still open? (NH)
What to do if an heir refuses to return estate property while the estate remains open in New Hampshire FAQ — Practical steps, courtroom options, and how New Hampshire probate can help. Short answer If an heir refuses to return estate property while the estate is still open in New Hampshire, start by documenting the […]
Read article →Can I Become the Personal Representative of My Sister's Estate? (NH)
Can I become the personal representative of my sister's estate? Short answer: Possibly — but it depends on whether your sister left a will, who else has priority, and whether the probate court approves your appointment under New Hampshire law. Detailed answer — how appointment works under New Hampshire law This section explains in plain […]
Read article →What options do heirs have when an estate administrator becomes unresponsive or refuses to distribute assets? (NH)
Detailed Answer: What heirs can do when an estate administrator in New Hampshire is unresponsive or refuses to distribute assets This FAQ explains practical steps heirs can take if a personal representative, administrator, or executor (collectively “administrator”) for a New Hampshire estate stops communicating, delays distribution, or refuses to distribute assets. This is general information […]
Read article →How do I apply to be appointed as the personal representative of a deceased relative’s estate in NH?
How to apply to be appointed as a personal representative in New Hampshire Not legal advice. This is general information to help you decide whether to consult a probate attorney. Detailed Answer — step-by-step under New Hampshire law This section explains the typical process to become the personal representative (sometimes called an administrator or executor) […]
Read article →How Can Heirs Petition the Court to Reopen a Closed Estate to Claim Unclaimed Assets in NH?
Detailed Answer Under New Hampshire law, heirs can petition the Probate Court to reopen a closed estate when they uncover unclaimed or overlooked assets. RSA 556:5 allows reopening within three years of closing the estate. To begin, gather key documents: original letters of administration, the death certificate, and proof of the asset’s existence (e.g., bank […]
Read article →What is the process for inventorying and distributing estate assets among multiple heirs in New Hampshire?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney to address your specific situation. Detailed Answer 1. Appointment of a Personal Representative In New Hampshire, the probate court appoints a personal representative to manage the estate (RSA 556:3). This person collects assets, pays debts, and distributes […]
Read article →How do heirs locate and claim unclaimed property of a deceased relative in NH?
Detailed Answer When a relative dies, they may leave behind assets the state classifies as “unclaimed property.” In New Hampshire, these can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, safe deposit box contents, insurance proceeds and more. The state’s Unclaimed Property Program, operated by the New Hampshire Treasury Department, receives and holds these assets until rightful […]
Read article →What factors influence the timeline for completing the probate process in New Hampshire?
Detailed Answer The probate timeline in New Hampshire varies based on multiple factors. Probate administration is governed by RSA Chapter 552. After a death, the probate court issues letters of appointment to a personal representative. Key factors include: 1. Existence of a Will If the deceased left a clear, valid will, the court follows the […]
Read article →What Are the Risks of Probating My Father's Estate Without Legal Representation in NH?
Detailed Answer Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probating your fathers estate without a lawyer in New Hampshire can seem cost-saving, but it carries significant risks. Under New Hampshire law, probate administration is governed by RSA Chapter 556 and related provisions. As the personal representative (executor), you […]
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