Heir Claims in New Hampshire: How to Claim Unclaimed Assets for a Deceased Relative

Handling a loved one’s estate is hard enough on its own. Finding out there may be unclaimed money or property in New Hampshire adds another layer of confusion. This guide explains, in plain English, how heir claims for unclaimed assets usually work in New Hampshire, and what steps families commonly take through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office, law firm, or application portal. This article is meant to help you understand the process so you can work more confidently with New Hampshire’s official unclaimed property office, courts, or other agencies.

What Is Unclaimed Property in New Hampshire?

Unclaimed property generally means money or assets that belong to someone but have been dormant or abandoned for a certain period. In New Hampshire, this often includes:

• Bank accounts and CDs
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, dividends)
• Insurance policy proceeds and annuities
• Utility deposits and refunds
• Stocks, mutual funds, and dividends
• Safe deposit box contents (often handled differently than cash)

When the owner cannot be contacted for several years, New Hampshire law typically requires the business or institution to turn the property over to the state’s unclaimed property program. The state then holds it for the rightful owner or their heirs.

For a deceased person, a surviving heir or estate representative can usually file a claim to recover it.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Property for a Deceased Person?

You cannot usually claim unclaimed assets just because you knew the person. New Hampshire follows priority rules based on state law and estate procedures. These can vary depending on:

• Whether there was a will
• Whether there was probate or a small estate process
• How closely you are related to the deceased

Typically, the following people may have standing to claim:

1. Executor or administrator of the estate

   • Named in the will or appointed by the probate court.
   • Usually has the strongest authority to claim all assets on behalf of the estate.

2. Surviving spouse

   • May be able to claim directly in some situations, especially for small estates or where named as beneficiary.

3. Children or other next-of-kin

   • Often can claim if there is no surviving spouse or if the spouse is also deceased.
   • May need to show that probate is complete or that they are entitled under New Hampshire inheritance law.

4. Other heirs named in a will

   • If you are specifically named as a beneficiary of the asset or of the decedent’s estate, you may be able to claim your share.

5. Court-appointed representatives

   • Such as a conservator, guardian, or personal representative appointed by the court for the estate.

Because heirship rules and probate requirements can be complex, many people check with:

• The New Hampshire probate court that handled the estate, or
• A New Hampshire-licensed probate or estate attorney

to confirm who should properly file the claim.

Step 1: Confirm the Person Has Unclaimed Property in New Hampshire

Before gathering documents, it helps to confirm there is actually property to claim. New Hampshire, like many states, offers a searchable unclaimed property database on its official state website.

Typical steps:

1. Go to the official New Hampshire state website and look for the section labeled something like “Unclaimed Property” or “Treasury – Abandoned Property.”
2. Use the online search tool, if available. Search by:
   • Deceased relative’s full legal name
   • Known prior addresses
   • Alternate names (maiden name, nicknames, initials)
3. Make note of:
   • Claim ID or property ID number
   • Name of the original holder (bank, insurer, employer, etc.)
   • Reported amount or at least the type of property

If you cannot use the internet, you can usually:

• Call the state unclaimed property office (often part of the state treasury)
• Request a mail-in form or paper search
• Visit the state office in person, if you are local and if they serve walk-in visitors

Step 2: Figure Out What Kind of Heir Claim You Need

New Hampshire often has different requirements depending on:

• The value of the unclaimed property
• Whether the deceased person’s estate went through probate
• Whether you are claiming as executor or as an individual heir

Common Types of Heir Claims

Here is a simplified overview of how claims may be handled, depending on your situation:

The exact forms and documents can vary, so it is important to follow the instructions on the official New Hampshire unclaimed property site or claim form.

Step 3: Gather the Required Documents

For heir claims in New Hampshire, you will almost always need:

Identity and Relationship

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Driver’s license, state ID, passport, or similar
• Proof of current address, if required
  • Utility bill, lease, bank statement, or tax bill

To prove your relationship to the deceased, common documents include:

• Death certificate (certified copy)
• Birth certificate (if you are the child of the deceased)
• Marriage certificate (if you are the surviving spouse)
• Adoption records, if applicable
• Name change documents (marriage certificate, court order) if your name differs from earlier records

Estate and Authority Documents

Depending on your situation, you may also need:

• Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
  • Shows the probate court appointed you as executor or administrator
• Copy of the will (if relevant)
• Probate court orders
  • Such as the final decree of distribution or order closing the estate
• Small estate affidavit or affidavit of heirship
  • If New Hampshire allows simplified procedures for smaller estates

Property-Specific Documents

Sometimes the state will ask for extra proof related to the asset, for example:

• Old bank statements or passbooks
• Insurance policies or statements
• Brokerage or stock statements
• Correspondence showing the deceased’s ownership

If you do not have these, do not panic—New Hampshire’s unclaimed property office usually relies on data from the holder. But any additional evidence you can provide may help them review the claim faster.

Step 4: Complete the Official New Hampshire Claim Form

To actually request the money or property, you must use the official claim process from the State of New Hampshire, not from any third-party website.

In New Hampshire, you can usually claim by:

1. Online claim form (when available)

   • Fill out claimant details and upload copies of your documentation.
   • Some claims may still require notarized signatures or mailed originals.

2. Paper claim form

   • Download and print the official heir claim form from the state’s website, or
   • Ask the state treasury or unclaimed property office to mail you a form.
   • Complete the form, sign it, and have it notarized if required.

3. By mail

   • Send the completed claim form and required documents to the address listed on the official state form or website.
   • Copies are usually acceptable, but sometimes the state may ask to see certified documents.

4. In person (if permitted)

   • Some people prefer to visit the state unclaimed property office in person.
   • Call ahead to confirm office hours and what documents to bring.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept or transmit your claim. You must file the claim with New Hampshire’s official unclaimed property program or follow directions from the state treasury or probate court.

Step 5: What Happens After You File an Heir Claim?

Once your claim and documents are submitted:

1. Initial review

   • The unclaimed property office checks that your form is complete and signed.
   • They verify your identity and your relationship or legal authority.

2. Verification with the holder (sometimes)

   • For certain claims, especially larger ones, the state may contact the original holder (bank, insurer, employer) to confirm ownership records.

3. Decision and payment

   • If approved, payment is usually made by check or electronic transfer, depending on the state’s policies and what you choose on the official form.
   • Physical items (like safe deposit contents) may have special procedures or may have been auctioned, with the proceeds held as cash.

4. Processing time

   • Timelines vary. Many people report processing times ranging from a few weeks to a few months, depending on claim complexity and office workload.
   • Heir claims tend to take longer than simple owner claims because of the extra verification required.

If the state needs more information, they may send you a letter or email explaining what is missing. Responding quickly and clearly can prevent extra delays.

Common Reasons Heir Claims Are Delayed or Denied

People sometimes run into problems that can slow down or even block a claim. Common issues include:

• Missing signature or notary

  • Claim form is unsigned or not properly notarized when required.

• Insufficient proof of relationship

  • Lack of documents showing how you are related to the deceased (no birth or marriage certificate, etc.).

• No proof of legal authority

  • Claimant is not the official executor and has no small-estate affidavit, court order, or other proof that they are entitled to act for the estate.

• Conflicting heirs

  • Multiple people claim the same property; the state may require a court order or resolution of the inheritance question.

• Name mismatches

  • The name on the property record does not match the documents due to spelling errors, prior names, or nicknames, and there is no clear documentation linking them.

• Outdated contact information

  • The state cannot reach you with questions or a decision.

If your claim is denied, you can:

• Read the denial letter carefully to understand the reason.
• Contact the New Hampshire unclaimed property office to ask what additional proof they would need.
• Consider contacting the probate court or speaking with a New Hampshire attorney if there are disputes among heirs or complex estate issues.

How Appeals or Reviews Usually Work

New Hampshire does not always use the word “appeal” for unclaimed property claims, but you often have some options if you disagree with a decision. These can include:

• Submitting additional documentation

  • If the problem is missing proof (relationship, authority, identity), sending more documents often allows the office to re-open or reconsider your claim.

• Requesting written clarification

  • You can ask the state’s unclaimed property office to provide a written explanation of what is needed or why the claim was denied.

• Legal review

  • In complicated or disputed cases, some people choose to seek legal advice.
  • An attorney familiar with New Hampshire probate and unclaimed property law can explain whether a formal appeal or court action is practical in your situation.

Specific appeal rights and steps can vary, so it helps to:

• Check the instructions on your denial letter, and
• Ask the state office what review options are available.

Special Situations: Multiple Heirs, No Will, or Out-of-State Relatives

Estate and heir claims often get more complicated when family situations are not straightforward.

Multiple Heirs

If there are several siblings or other relatives:

• The executor or administrator usually makes a single claim on behalf of the estate, then distributes the funds according to the will or court order.
• If there is no appointed executor, the state may require either:
  • A court-appointed representative, or
  • Signed consent or waiver forms from other heirs, depending on New Hampshire rules.

No Will (Intestate Estate)

If your relative died without a will (intestate):

• New Hampshire’s intestacy laws decide who inherits and in what shares.
• The unclaimed property office may require:
  • Probate court documents showing heirship, or
  • A small-estate or heirship affidavit that follows New Hampshire law.

Because intestacy rules are specific and can be confusing, many families contact:

• The probate court in the county where the deceased lived, or
• A probate attorney licensed in New Hampshire

for guidance.

You Live Outside New Hampshire

If you live in another state (or even another country):

• You can usually still file an heir claim with New Hampshire if the property is held there.
• You may need:
  • A copy of your out-of-state ID
  • Documents mailed or notarized in your own state or country
• Make sure you follow any notarization or apostille requirements if documents are from outside the U.S.

Contact the New Hampshire unclaimed property office directly to ask what they will accept from out-of-state or international claimants.

Verifying You Are Using an Official New Hampshire Channel

Because unclaimed property often involves money, scammers may try to impersonate state offices. To protect yourself:

• Look for “.gov” in the website address

  • New Hampshire’s official state websites typically end in .gov.

• Be cautious of fees

  • Many states, including New Hampshire, allow you to search and claim directly for free.
  • Some private “finder” services charge a percentage to help locate and claim property. They may be legal, but they are not required to get your money back.

• Confirm by phone

  • Call the New Hampshire State Treasury or Unclaimed Property Office using a number listed on the official state website or in a state government directory.
  • Verify any letters you receive are actually from the state.

• Protect your personal information

  • Do not send copies of your ID, Social Security number, or bank details to sites or people you are not certain are official.

If you are unsure whether a letter, email, or website is legitimate, you can:

• Contact the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit, or
• Call 211 to ask for help being connected to the correct state office.

Alternatives if You Do Not Qualify as an Heir

If you are not a legally recognized heir or representative, you usually cannot claim the property yourself. However, you might still be able to help the rightful heirs recover it by:

• Informing the executor or administrator of the estate
• Letting the surviving spouse or children know about the unclaimed property
• Encouraging them to check with the New Hampshire unclaimed property program and, if needed, the probate court

If no heirs exist or cannot be found, the property may remain in the custody of the state under its unclaimed property laws. Exact rules about long-term custody or escheat are determined by New Hampshire state law.

When to Consider Getting Legal Help

Many straightforward claims can be handled by families directly using the official New Hampshire forms and instructions. However, it may be useful to speak with a New Hampshire-licensed attorney when:

• There is a dispute among heirs about who is entitled to the money.
• The estate includes significant assets or complex property.
• There is no clear documentation of heirship, or complicated family relationships.
• You receive a denial and are unsure how to respond.

An attorney or legal aid office can explain New Hampshire probate law, help you identify the right court documents, and represent you if any court action is needed.

By understanding how heir claims in New Hampshire typically work, gathering the right documents, and working directly with official state offices, many families are able to successfully claim unclaimed assets left behind by a deceased relative.