What the rule says
Under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 553:32, New Hampshire provides summary administration in limited circumstances:
- The estate value (less liens and encumbrances) does not exceed $10,000, OR - Only the surviving spouse or specific other beneficiaries are entitled to the entire estate - Specific procedural requirements are met
What this means in practice
Key practical points:
- $10,000 threshold is among the lower in the country. Many estates exceed this threshold and require formal administration. - Real and personal property both count toward threshold. - Joint property and beneficiary-designated assets are not counted. - Probate court involvement. NH uses probate divisions of circuit courts.
How this fits with NH's other tools
New Hampshire offers:
- Summary administration (§ 553:32): Limited estates up to $10,000. - Standard probate: Court-supervised when warranted. - TOD deed: NH adopted TOD deed framework in 2018 (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 477:43-c et seq.).
What you can do about it
For a survivor of a NH decedent:
1. Calculate the estate value. 2. Determine whether summary or standard administration applies. 3. File petition with the probate division.
Who this affects most
NH's summary administration is most relevant for survivors of NH decedents with very small estates. The relatively low threshold means many estates require formal administration.