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Someone died in New Hampshire. Start here.
The first 24 hours, in order, then the first week and the first month, with New Hampshire's actual rules for death certificates, cremation, and probate. This page is free. No account required.
Sources: official New Hampshire statutes and agencies, linked below. Last full review: August 2026.
Start with safety, the required local response, and the people who can help. The exact process depends on where and how the death occurred.
These figures come from the same data as our full New Hampshire guide, built from state statutes and official agencies.
Death certificate
Filed within 6 days
The funeral provider or another authorized filer usually handles it. Ask each institution whether it needs a certified copy, then order an initial quantity based on those actual needs. Confirm the current fee with the issuing office; the guide's last-reviewed first-copy or search fee starts at $15. Additional-copy, vendor, and expedited fees may differ.
Source: RSA 290:1; RSA 5-C:62 (death registration); RSA 5-C:10 (copy fees) (opens in a new tab)Cremation
48-hour standard wait
New Hampshire's standard statutory wait is 48 hours. Check the linked official source for any state-authorized exception or written-waiver process. A permit is also required. The person legally authorized under state law completes any required authorization; the provider handles its filing process.
Source: RSA 325-A:18 (medical examiner's certificate; 48-hour rule; $60 fee); RSA… (opens in a new tab)Probate
Eligibility-based shortcut
New Hampshire uses eligibility conditions instead of a single dollar threshold. Review the official waiver or simplified-administration rules before choosing a process.
Source: N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 553:32-33 (waiver and summary administration) (opens in a new tab)Estate tax
None in this state
New Hampshire has no state estate or inheritance tax. The federal basic exclusion amount is $15 million for deaths in 2026; other Form 706 filing reasons can still apply.
Source 1: New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration: Inheritance & Estate Tax (opens in a new tab)Source 2: IRS: 2026 estate tax basic exclusion amount (opens in a new tab)Days 2 to 7 · 1 to 7 days
These tasks often begin during the first week, but local requirements and the family's circumstances may change the order.
Weeks 2 to 4 · 1 to 4 weeks
The immediate calls may slow down. Estate, account, benefit, property, and tax work often continues for months.
The Long Game · 1 month+
Estate administration may take months or longer. The timing depends on the assets, claims, disputes, tax work, court schedule, and state procedure.
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