New Hampshire Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in New Hampshire, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its New Hampshire guide.
- Will
- New Hampshire will requirements under RSA 551:2: age 18 or married, sane mind, a signed writing, two credible witnesses, no handwritten wills, no notary. Read the guide
- Living trust
- A New Hampshire revocable living trust under RSA 564-B: what the Trust Code requires, how to fund it, and the pour-over will rule that makes a gift lapse. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- New Hampshire power of attorney rules under RSA 564-E: durable by default, notarized with no witnesses, plus a disclosure statement and an agent who must sign. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- New Hampshire puts a health care power of attorney and a living will in one advance directive under RSA 137-J. Sign before two witnesses or a notary, not both. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what New Hampshire requires from an online will before you sign anything.
New Hampshire estate planning guides
New Hampshire Estate Planning Basics
New Hampshire estate planning runs on four documents: a will, a durable power of attorney, an advance directive, and often a trust. Here is what each one needs.
New Hampshire Will Requirements
New Hampshire will requirements under RSA 551:2: age 18 or married, sane mind, a signed writing, two credible witnesses, no handwritten wills, no notary.
New Hampshire Power of Attorney
New Hampshire power of attorney rules under RSA 564-E: durable by default, notarized with no witnesses, plus a disclosure statement and an agent who must sign.
New Hampshire Advance Directive
New Hampshire puts a health care power of attorney and a living will in one advance directive under RSA 137-J. Sign before two witnesses or a notary, not both.
New Hampshire Guardianship Planning
New Hampshire proves an adult guardianship beyond a reasonable doubt under RSA 464-A:9, and RSA 464-A:10 lets you name your guardian and bar anyone you exclude.
New Hampshire Revocable Living Trust
A New Hampshire revocable living trust under RSA 564-B: what the Trust Code requires, how to fund it, and the pour-over will rule that makes a gift lapse.
New Hampshire Trust Administration
New Hampshire trust administration runs on RSA 564-B: three 60-day notice clocks, yearly beneficiary reports, and a one-year claim bar only a trustee can use.
New Hampshire Transfer on Death Deed
A New Hampshire transfer on death deed moves real estate outside probate under RSA 563-D. It is void unless recorded before death and within 60 days of signing.
New Hampshire Pet Trusts
A New Hampshire pet trust runs on RSA 564-B:4-408. Who enforces it, how long it lasts, what a court can trim, and the reporting rights your enforcer holds.
New Hampshire Digital Assets Planning
New Hampshire adopted RUFADAA as RSA 554-A in 2019. An online tool outranks your will, and a custodian gets 60 days to answer a complete request.
Not sure what you need in New Hampshire?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
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