The figures on this page are general estimates. Laws, fees, thresholds, and prices differ by state and change often, and your own situation may change the result. Before you act, confirm the current numbers and rules for New Hampshire with a licensed professional — an attorney, tax advisor, or licensed agent as appropriate. Reading this page does not create a professional relationship.
When the clock starts in New Hampshire
The single fact that governs every other date on this page: in New Hampshire the creditor-claim period runs from the original grant of administration — New Hampshire runs no notice-to-creditors publication, so nothing has to be published for the clock to start.
This is not the same in every state. Some states run the period from the date of death, others from the date letters are issued to the personal representative, others from first publication of the notice to creditors. A deadline calculated from the wrong event is simply wrong, and a missed claim deadline is not curable.
New Hampshire deadlines at a glance
| Deadline | New Hampshire | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory | 90 days after the date of appointment, filed with the court under the penalties of law. Failing to file within 30 days after that date puts the administrator in default; the clerk mails notice of the default within 10 days and issues a citation notice under §554:26-a. The inventory itemizes all real and personal property at date-of-death fair market value and must state how each value was determined — appraisal, tax information, bank statement or other source. No appraiser is required, though the judge may appoint one on motion or on the court's own action. | N.H. Rev. Stat. §554:1(I), (II) |
| Creditor claim period | Six months from the original grant of administration to exhibit the demand, and one year from the same date to begin suit — with a moratorium in front of both: no action may be sustained against an administrator if it is begun WITHIN six months of the grant (§556:1). New Hampshire is the only state documented here where the statute sets a floor as well as a ceiling, so there is a window rather than a deadline. Both periods run exclusive of any time the administration was suspended. A notice sent to the administrator or their agent by registered mail setting out the nature and amount of the claim and a demand for payment is a sufficient exhibition (§556:2), and no exhibition at all is required where the estate has been represented insolvent within the six months (§556:4). | N.H. Rev. Stat. §§556:1, 556:3, 556:5 |
| Outer claim bar | One year from the original grant of administration, exclusive of any period of suspension, subject to three documented exceptions: where the administrator has retained estate in hand for payment of the claim by order of the judge, and the cases provided for by §§556:7 and 556:28 (§556:5). Under §556:28 a claimant who has not prosecuted within the time limited may petition the court with subject-matter jurisdiction; if the court is of the opinion that justice and equity require it and that the claimant is not chargeable with culpable neglect, it may extend the time to a date certain — but no extension or judgment affects payments or compromises made before the proceedings began. Separately, where no administration has been granted within two years of the death, no creditor may thereafter maintain an action to reach the real estate the decedent died seized of (§556:29). | N.H. Rev. Stat. §§556:5, 556:28, 556:29 |
| Closing / final distribution | No single closing date. An annual account of administration is filed in the probate office unless the judge excuses it on petition, and the judge may not excuse it for longer than three years. §554:26-a frames the fiduciary's obligations as an inventory within 90 days of appointment or an account of administration within one year of appointment. The final account is filed before notice to settle it is given, together with a statement of the names and residences of the heirs, legatees and beneficiaries so far as known. | N.H. Rev. Stat. §§554:26, 554:26-a |
The inventory deadline, as written
Every administrator shall file under the penalties of law, with the court, within 90 days after the date of appointment, a full, true, and itemized inventory of all the estate of the decedent which has come to the administrator's knowledge.
— N.H. Rev. Stat. §554:1(I), (II)
The creditor-claim period, as written
No such action shall be sustained unless the demand was exhibited to the administrator within six months after the original grant of administration, exclusive of the time such administration may have been suspended.
— N.H. Rev. Stat. §§556:1, 556:3, 556:5
What this page does not state
Where a figure is not recorded above, it is because it was not found in the statute cited — not because no deadline exists. Court rules, local rules, and standing orders set additional dates that are not part of the statutory text, and those are not reproduced here. Confirm every date against the New Hampshire court handling the estate.
Sources
- Statutes: N.H. Rev. Stat. §554:1(I), (II); N.H. Rev. Stat. §§556:1, 556:3, 556:5; N.H. Rev. Stat. §§556:5, 556:28, 556:29; N.H. Rev. Stat. §§554:26, 554:26-a
- Authority: New Hampshire General Court, N.H. Revised Statutes Annotated (gc.nh.gov)
- Source URL: https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/556/556-mrg.htm
- Verified: 2026-08-21
Related New Hampshire guides
- How Long Does Probate Take in New Hampshire? — the overall timeline these deadlines sit inside.
- How much does probate cost in New Hampshire? — the cost side.
- How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in New Hampshire? — compensation for the work.
- New Hampshire Probate Fee Sheet — printable one-page reference.
- Executor Duties: The Complete Checklist — what the role involves.
Executor deadlines in other states
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This page reproduces New Hampshire statutory deadlines as published at the time of verification. It is not legal advice. Statutes are amended, court rules impose additional dates, and application depends on the specific estate. Confirm every date with the New Hampshire court or a licensed New Hampshire attorney.