Guiding families through probate after losing a loved one
What is Probate?
When a loved one passes away, their affairs aren’t always perfectly organized. There might be issues with their will, or sometimes there’s no will at all. If you’re a potential heir dealing with significant assets, navigating New Hampshire’s probate and estate administration processes can be challenging. Our experienced probate attorney can help you protect your inheritance and honor your loved one’s wishes.
Probate is the legal process that takes place after someone passes away, ensuring their assets are distributed according to their will, or in accordance with state laws if there is no will. It involves validating the will, if one exists, and appointing an executor or administrator to manage the estate. This process includes paying off debts and taxes and distributing the remaining assets to the rightful heirs. Probate is necessary to provide a clear and legal transfer of property, prevent fraud, and resolve any disputes that may arise among beneficiaries.
Compassionate Legal Support During Difficult Times
At Beaupre Law, we understand that you may be grieving the loss of a loved one, and are now further distressed by the need to go through a court process to manage and transfer the decedent’s assets and property. Our probate attorney will take the time to understand your personal situation, family dynamics, and challenges that may arise. We are a small, client-centered firm dedicated to supporting individuals during this challenging time. Call us today at 877-734-0777 to see how we can help. We represent executors and administrators throughout New Hampshire.
What does Probate Administration involve?
Probate of the Will
File the will with the probate court to begin the legal process, or begin intestacy (no will) proceedings.
Manage Expenses
Handle ongoing expenses related to maintaining estate property, such as mortgage payments, utilities, and insurance.
Notices to Heirs
Notify all heirs and next-of-kin about the probate proceedings, as required by law.
Collection of Assets
Gather and secure the deceased’s assets to manage and protect them during the probate process.
Payment of Creditors Claims
Review and settle any outstanding debts or claims against the decedent's estate.
Judicial Accountings
Provide detailed accounts of estate management to the court and interested parties.
Distribution of Estate Assets
Distribute remaining assets to the rightful heirs and beneficiaries as per the will or state law.
Settling an estate requires understanding and sensitivity. Our experienced team navigates this proces with precision and empathy, whether there’s a will or not.
Our approach is client-centric and flexible. We’re here to help you start and guide you through a process that can feel overwhelming, especially in times of grief. We demystify the process by answering your questions about the entire process, educating you along the way, and ensuring that you feel informed and supported throughout.
If you are facing the task of estate administration in New Hampshire and would like to discuss how we can ease this journey for you, please reach out for a private, confidential consultation.
Losing a loved one is already hard enough.
Handling their estate shouldn't add to your burden.
Probate FAQs
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a person’s affairs after death. The court validates the will (if there is one), appoints someone to manage the estate, and oversees the process of paying debts and distributing assets. It is not automatically a bad process, but it is public, slow, and often costly.
Yes, probate is generally a public court process. Once probate is opened, filings may be available through the court system, and notice requirements can also make the process public. That surprises a lot of people and is one reason many families want to minimize probate.
It depends on the estate, the state, and whether there are disputes, but even a simple probate in New Hampshire is usually not quick. In our experience, the fastest cases may still take seven to nine months, and many take a year or more. If there are disputes or complications, it can take longer.
A lot more than most people expect. The executor may need to locate and secure assets, notify institutions, pay bills, file tax returns, keep detailed records, communicate with beneficiaries, and work through court deadlines. It is a serious responsibility, and there can be personal liability for mismanaging estate assets.
Usually it is how public it is, how long it takes, and how much it costs. We also find that many people are surprised to learn that not everything passes through their will. Assets with named beneficiaries and jointly owned property often pass outside probate.
Because once they understand it, they realize it can create delay, expense, and a public record at a difficult time for the family. For many of our clients, minimizing or avoiding probate becomes one of the main goals of their estate plan. Good planning can make things much easier for the people left behind.
You define the legacy you leave behind.
You need a plan. We have the expertise.