Last Will and Testament in New Hampshire
A simple will form for straightforward estates. A will is valid only if it is signed and witnessed exactly as your state requires (below); one that is not executed correctly may be ignored by the court. Larger estates, blended families, trusts for minor children or business interests are worth a lawyer's review.
What New Hampshire law says
| Requirements for a valid will | Anyone 18 or older, and a married person under 18, who is of sane mind may make a will. The will must be in writing, signed by the person making it (or by someone else at their express direction and in their presence), and signed by 2 or more credible witnesses at the will-maker's request. No seal is required. Source: N.H. RSA 551:1, 551:2 |
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| Self-proving affidavit | A will can be made self-proved when the will-maker and witnesses sign before a notary public, justice of the peace, or other official authorized to give oaths, who completes the acknowledgment and affidavit wording set out in the statute. A will meeting the Uniform International Wills Act (RSA 551-A) also counts as self-proved. Source: N.H. RSA 551:2-a |
| Handwritten (holographic) wills | New Hampshire has no separate rule for handwritten wills; every will made in New Hampshire must meet the same requirements, including signature by 2 witnesses. A will made in another state or country is valid in New Hampshire if it was valid where it was made. Source: N.H. RSA 551:2, 551:5 |
Fill it in
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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF [your full name]
I, [your full name], of [city, county and state], being of sound mind, make this my will and revoke all earlier wills and codicils.
1. Executor. I name [executor name] as personal representative (executor). If they cannot serve, I name [alternate executor name].
2. Specific gifts. I give [item or amount] to [beneficiary name].
3. Everything else. I give the rest of my property to [beneficiaries and shares]. If a beneficiary does not survive me by 30 days, their share goes to [alternate beneficiary].
4. Guardian. If I have minor children, I name [guardian name] as guardian, and [alternate guardian name] as alternate.
Signed on [date signed] at [city and state]. Signature: ____________________
Witnesses: we signed below in the presence of the person making this will and of each other, as required by state law. Witness 1: [witness 1 name and address] ____________ Witness 2: [witness 2 name and address] ____________
[Notary or self-proving affidavit, if your state provides one]
Last Will and Testament for other states · New Hampshire tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.