The New Hampshire Inventory of Fiduciary (Form NHJB-2125-P) is the sworn document that an executor, administrator, guardian, conservator, or trustee files with the Probate Division of the Circuit Court to list every asset in an estate and its fair market value. If you searched for the “Inventory and Appraisement of the Estate,” this is the form New Hampshire uses for that exact purpose, and its official title is the Inventory of Fiduciary. The version in use today carries the revision date 01/01/2014, printed in the bottom corner of each page, so check that date before you start.
Filing this form is not optional, and getting it wrong has real costs. Under RSA 554:1, the fiduciary must file a complete inventory within 90 days of appointment, and a late or sloppy inventory can lead to removal as fiduciary or court action without a hearing. New Hampshire probate, handled without guidance, can stretch past a year and cost upwards of $14,000, and the inventory is the foundation that every later accounting is built on. This guide walks you through the form line by line, in plain language, so you can file once and file right.
Here is what you will learn:
- 📋 What Form NHJB-2125-P is, who must file it, and the law that requires it
- 🗂️ The exact documents and numbers to gather before you open the form
- ✍️ How to complete every line, box, and Attachment A through H without errors
- 👨👩👧 Three real filled-out examples that match common estate types
- ⚠️ The deadlines, fees, and mistakes that delay or sink an inventory
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
Form NHJB-2125-P is the official inventory that tells the New Hampshire Probate Division exactly what the deceased person owned on the day they died and what it was worth. The form is received by the New Hampshire Circuit Court Probate Division, the branch of the state court system that supervises estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and trusts. It is required by RSA Chapter 554, and the 90-day filing deadline comes from RSA 554:1, which also commands that the inventory show fair market values as of the date of death.
The person who must file is the fiduciary. That word covers four roles named at the top of the form: the Executor/Administrator of a deceased person’s estate, the Guardian/Conservator of a living protected person, and the Trustee of a court-supervised trust. Most readers of this guide are executors named in a will or administrators appointed when there was no will. An executor is the person the will names to settle the estate, and an administrator is the close relative or other person a judge appoints when no will exists or no named executor can serve.
The form solves a basic problem: the court, the heirs, and the creditors all need one honest, signed list of what the estate holds. Without it, no one can tell whether assets are being protected, whether debts can be paid, or whether each beneficiary gets a fair share. The consequence of skipping it is severe, because a fiduciary who fails to file can be removed and replaced. New Hampshire law treats the inventory as a sworn statement, and Section 8 of the form warns that a false statement brings criminal penalties.
One important exception saves some families the work entirely. When a sole heir or the surviving spouse who inherits everything files a Waiver of Administration under RSA 553:32, the estate is generally excused from filing an inventory, a bond, and a full accounting. If that is your situation, confirm with the probate clerk before you spend hours valuing furniture you may never need to list.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Filling out NHJB-2125-P goes fast when your paperwork is already in front of you, and it stalls badly when it is not. Because every value on the form must reflect the date of death, gather records that show balances and prices on or near that exact day. Pull these items together before you open the form, and note why each one matters.
- The death certificate. This fixes the date of death, which is the single date that controls every value on the form. Without it, you cannot prove your valuation date is correct.
- Your Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. These court papers prove you are the appointed fiduciary and give your appointment date, which starts the 90-day clock.
- The case number and exact case name from the court. The form repeats these on all three pages, and a wrong case number can misfile your inventory.
- Bank and credit union statements covering the date of death. You need the account balances on that day for Attachment E, not today’s balances.
- Brokerage and retirement account statements. These supply share counts and per-share prices for Attachment D, and missing them forces a guess that may be wrong.
- Deeds for any real estate, including the book and page numbers. The form demands the recording county plus book and page for Attachment A, and these come straight off the recorded deed.
- Vehicle titles and VINs. Attachment C requires year, make, model, and the full vehicle identification number for every car, boat, or RV.
- Recent appraisals or tax assessments. Real estate, jewelry, art, and business interests often need an appraiser, and a written appraisal supports the value you report.
- The court bond order. Line 3 asks for the bond amount the court set, copied exactly from your appointment paperwork.
- A list of debts owed to the deceased. Personal loans, promissory notes, or money owed to the deceased go on Attachment G, and forgetting them understates the estate.
If any item is missing, the safest move is to estimate conservatively, file on time, and later file an Amended inventory once you have the real number. The form is built to be corrected, and an honest amendment is far better than a late or false original.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The current, court-approved Form NHJB-2125-P is published by the New Hampshire Judicial Branch, and you should always download it directly from the New Hampshire courts forms page rather than from a random search result. Pulling it from the official source guarantees you get the 01/01/2014 revision and not an outdated copy that a clerk may reject. The form is a fillable PDF, so you can type directly into the boxes on a computer before you print or upload it.
New Hampshire now requires electronic filing for most probate matters through the court’s online system. You file the completed inventory through the NH Circuit Court electronic filing portal, which lets you upload the signed PDF and your attachments, pay any fee, and receive an electronic stamp showing the filing date. Create your portal account early, because account setup and identity steps can take a day or two and the 90-day clock does not pause while you wait.
Paper filing still exists for the limited cases the court allows, such as self-represented filers who qualify for an exemption from e-filing. In those cases you mail or hand-deliver the form to the probate clerk in the county where the deceased lived. Whichever channel you use, keep a full copy of everything you submit, because you are responsible for proving what you filed and when. If you are unsure which channel applies to you, call the clerk in your county and ask before you assume.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form NHJB-2125-P Line by Line
This is the heart of the form. Work through it from the top, use the exact field names printed on NHJB-2125-P, and remember the golden rule for a decedent estate: every value reflects the date of death, not today. Each subsection below restates the field, shows how to answer it, gives a named example, flags a nuance, names the most common mistake and its result, and corrects a belief filers often carry into that box.
Header: Court Name, Case Name, and Case Number
The header at the very top asks for the Court Name, Case Name, and Case Number (if known). To answer it, write the full name of the probate division handling your case, such as 9th Circuit Court – Probate Division – Manchester, then the case name in the form Estate of [Decedent’s Name], then the case number from your appointment papers. Robert Chase, settling his late mother’s estate, writes Estate of Eleanor Chase as the case name and copies the case number 319-2026-ET-00482 from his Letters.
A common nuance is the “(if known)” note next to the case number. If you are filing before a number is assigned, you may leave it blank, but in practice the number almost always exists by the time the inventory is due. The most common mistake here is mismatching the case name across the three pages, which can cause the clerk to misfile page two or three and treat your inventory as incomplete. Many filers believe the header is just a label, but it is the routing information that ties your inventory to the right file, so accuracy matters as much as it does in any money box.
Fiduciary Type and Filing Type Checkboxes
Just under the title, the form asks you to check the fiduciary type — Executor/Administrator, Guardian/Conservator, or Trustee — and the filing type — Original or Amended (Attach written explanation). To answer, check the one box that names your role and the one box that describes this filing. An executor named in a will and a court-appointed administrator both check Executor/Administrator. Maria Delgado, appointed to handle her brother’s estate without a will, checks Executor/Administrator and Original because this is her first inventory.
The nuance lives in the Amended box: if you are correcting a number you filed before, you must check Amended and attach a written explanation of what changed and why. The most common mistake is checking Original on a corrected filing, which leaves the court with two conflicting inventories and no explanation, often triggering a clerk’s notice and delay. Filers sometimes believe an amended inventory makes them look careless, but the form invites amendments, and Section 8 actually requires you to amend the moment you learn of more assets.
Line 1: Fiduciary Name
Line 1 asks for the Fiduciary Name, and the form provides two name lines so co-fiduciaries can both appear. Enter your full legal name as it appears on your Letters, and if two people were appointed, put one name on each line. Robert Chase writes his name on the first line and leaves the second blank because he serves alone. When his sister serves with him, the second line reads Karen Chase.
The nuance is co-fiduciary signatures later in Section 8: every named fiduciary on Line 1 must also sign at the end, or the inventory is incomplete. The most common mistake is listing only one of two appointed co-fiduciaries, which creates a gap between who was appointed and who is filing, and the court may bounce it back for the missing party. Some filers think a nickname or shortened name is fine, but the name should match the Letters so the court can confirm you are the authorized fiduciary.
Line 2: Attorney Name and Bar ID
Line 2 asks for the Attorney name and Bar ID #. If a lawyer represents the estate, write the attorney’s full name and their New Hampshire bar number, which the attorney can supply. If you are filing on your own, leave both fields blank, because being self-represented is allowed. Janet Pillsbury, who hired counsel, writes Attorney Thomas Reed, Bar ID #14092 on Line 2.
The nuance is that listing an attorney signals the court to send notices to that lawyer, so an outdated attorney name can misdirect important mail. The most common mistake is entering a paralegal’s or firm’s name instead of the licensed attorney’s name and bar number, which leaves the appearance unclear. Many self-represented filers wrongly believe they must list an attorney to be taken seriously, but New Hampshire probate fully allows pro se fiduciaries, and a blank Line 2 is correct when you have no lawyer.
Line 3: Bond Amount Ordered by the Court
Line 3 asks for the BOND AMOUNT ORDERED BY THE COURT, expressed as a dollar figure. Copy the exact bond amount from your appointment order; do not guess and do not calculate your own number. If the court waived bond, write $0 or waived to match the order. Robert Chase reads his appointment paperwork, sees a bond of $150,000, and writes $150,000.00 on Line 3.
The nuance is that a will or all the heirs can waive bond, so this line is sometimes zero even on a large estate. The most common mistake is entering the estate’s total value here instead of the ordered bond, which confuses the clerk because the two numbers serve different purposes. Filers often believe the bond equals the estate size, but the court sets bond based on the protection it wants for heirs and creditors, and only the order controls what goes on Line 3.
Line 4: Fee Arrangement Questions
Line 4 contains two yes/no questions, answered only if processing the estate of a deceased person: whether attorney fee arrangements have been discussed if you have an attorney, and whether fiduciary fee arrangements have been considered. Check Yes or No for each based on the honest state of your discussions. Janet Pillsbury, who agreed on an hourly rate with her lawyer and decided to take a fiduciary fee, checks Yes and Yes.
The nuance is the “only if processing the estate of a deceased person” instruction, which means guardians and conservators skip Line 4 entirely. The most common mistake is leaving both boxes blank on a decedent estate, which signals to the court that fees have not been considered and can prompt extra scrutiny later. Many filers think checking Yes locks them into a specific fee, but these boxes only confirm the topic was addressed, not a final dollar amount.
Line 5: Estate Summary (A, B, and C)
Line 5 is the ESTATE SUMMARY and it carries three totals, with the bold reminder that for decedent estates all values are as of the date of death. Line 5A is the TOTAL VALUE OF REAL ESTATE, supported by Attachment A. Line 5B is the TOTAL VALUE OF PERSONAL ESTATE, copied from the personal-estate total on page two. Line 5C is the TOTAL VALUE OF ENTIRE ESTATE, which you get by adding 5A and 5B. Robert Chase enters $310,000 on 5A for his mother’s house, $95,400 on 5B from page two, and $405,400 on 5C.
The nuance is the order of operations: you cannot finish Line 5 until you complete page two, because 5B is a carried-over total. The most common mistake is adding numbers that use today’s market values instead of date-of-death values, which overstates or understates the estate and breaks every later accounting. Filers often believe the summary is where they list assets, but Line 5 holds only totals — the itemized lists live on the lettered attachments.
Line 5A and Attachment A: Real Estate
Line 5A and Attachment A cover real estate, and the form requires a separate sheet listing each property’s street address, city/town, county where the deed is recorded, book and page of deed, and value. To answer, pull each recorded deed and copy the book and page exactly, then attach the value as of the date of death. Marcus Bell, settling his father’s estate, writes on Attachment A: 24 Birch Lane, Concord, Merrimack County, Book 3847 Page 211, $328,000.
The nuance is jointly owned property: real estate held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship usually passes outside probate and does not belong on Attachment A, while a tenancy-in-common share does. The most common mistake is omitting the book and page of the deed, which the clerk needs to confirm the property, and a blank there can delay acceptance. Many filers believe they should use the town’s assessed value, but the form wants fair market value at the date of death, which often comes from an appraisal, not the tax card.
Line 6 and Personal Estate Detail (Overview)
Line 6 is the PERSONAL ESTATE DETAIL section, where you enter a total for each category on lines 6A through 6H and itemize each one on the matching attachment. The same date-of-death rule governs every value here. To work this section, value each category, write the total on its line, and prepare the lettered attachment behind it. The eight lines flow into the TOTAL VALUE OF PERSONAL ESTATE at the bottom of page two, which you then copy up to Line 5B.
The nuance is that only Cash on Hand needs no attachment; every other category with a value above zero requires its sheet. The most common mistake is writing category totals but forgetting to attach the itemized sheets, which makes the inventory facially incomplete. Filers often think a single lump “personal property” number is acceptable, but New Hampshire wants the assets broken into these specific buckets so heirs and creditors can see the detail.
Line 6A: Cash On Hand
Line 6A asks for Cash On Hand, and the form states plainly that no attachment is required for this line. Enter the total physical cash the deceased held at death — bills and coins in a wallet, a drawer, or a home safe — not money sitting in a bank. Maria Delgado finds $640 in her brother’s apartment and writes $640.00 on Line 6A.
The nuance is the line between cash on hand and bank deposits: money in a checking or savings account belongs on Attachment E, not here. The most common mistake is dumping bank balances onto Line 6A, which double-counts or miscategorizes the funds and confuses the totals. Many filers believe small amounts of household cash are too trivial to report, but the inventory must be complete, and even modest cash on hand belongs on this line.
Line 6B and Attachment B: Household Furnishings and Effects
Line 6B and Attachment B cover Household Furnishings and Effects, with a sheet listing the contents of the household and their values. Critically, the form tells you not to list wearing apparel, Bibles, family pictures, photographs, or other personal trinkets of sentimental rather than intrinsic value. To answer, group ordinary furniture and appliances at a reasonable used value rather than itemizing every spoon. Robert Chase lists living room furniture $1,200, kitchen appliances $900, dining set $700 on Attachment B and writes $2,800 on Line 6B.
The nuance is the sentimental-value carve-out: a worn family Bible stays off the list, but a valuable antique or a coin collection has intrinsic value and must be included, often with an appraisal. The most common mistake is listing clothing and family photos, which clutters the inventory with items the law specifically excludes. Filers frequently believe they must value furniture at its original purchase price, but the standard is fair market value at death, which for used goods is usually a fraction of what was paid.
Line 6C and Attachment C: Other Tangible Personal Property
Line 6C and Attachment C cover Other Tangible Personal Property, including motor or recreational vehicles, farmers’ utensils, mechanics tools, and livestock, and for each vehicle you must list the year, make, model, and VIN. To answer, list each vehicle with its full identifying details and a date-of-death value from a guide like a used-car valuation source. Marcus Bell writes on Attachment C: 2018 Toyota Camry, VIN 4T1B11HK5JU123456, $16,200 and puts $16,200 on Line 6C.
The nuance is that an outstanding car loan does not reduce the value you list here; the asset goes on the inventory at full value, and the debt is handled separately in the estate’s accounting. The most common mistake is omitting the VIN, which the form expressly requires and which the clerk uses to identify the vehicle. Many filers think they should subtract what is still owed on the car, but the inventory lists the asset’s gross value, not its equity.
Line 6D and Attachment D: Stocks and Bonds
Line 6D and Attachment D cover Stocks and Bonds, with a sheet listing the stock or bond name, number of shares, and value per share. To answer, pull the brokerage statement nearest the date of death and record each holding with its share count and the per-share price on that date. Janet Pillsbury lists Apple Inc., 150 shares, $189.50 per share, $28,425 on Attachment D and totals her holdings on Line 6D.
The nuance is the standard valuation method for publicly traded securities, which is typically the average of the high and low trading price on the date of death, and a brokerage can often supply a date-of-death valuation report. The most common mistake is using the current price or the purchase price instead of the date-of-death price, which throws off the total and conflicts with later tax filings. Filers often believe retirement accounts with named beneficiaries belong here, but assets that pass directly to a beneficiary usually skip probate and stay off the inventory.
Line 6E and Attachment E: Deposited in Banks/Financial Institutions
Line 6E and Attachment E cover money Deposited in Banks/Financial Institutions, listing the name and address of the bank, the account or certificate number, the date of the last interest/dividend paid, and the account balance. To answer, gather each statement covering the date of death and record the balance on that day for every account. Maria Delgado lists First Colebrook Bank, 123 Main St, Acct #…4419, last interest 06/30/2026, balance $12,310 on Attachment E.
The nuance is jointly held or payable-on-death accounts, which generally pass outside probate and do not belong on Attachment E, unlike accounts in the deceased’s sole name. The most common mistake is reporting the balance on the day you found the statement rather than the date-of-death balance, which misstates the estate. Many filers believe they should list only the account number, but the form also asks for the institution’s address and the last interest date, and leaving those blank makes the entry incomplete.
Line 6F and Attachment F: Business Assets
Line 6F and Attachment F cover Business Assets, with a sheet listing all business assets and their values. To answer, identify the deceased’s ownership interest in any sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or closely held corporation and report its fair market value at death, usually from a business appraisal. Carlos Mendez, settling his late father’s auto-repair shop, lists Mendez Auto LLC, 100% membership interest, $84,000 on Attachment F.
The nuance is valuing a closely held business, which rarely has a public price and almost always needs a qualified appraiser who can weigh assets, debts, and goodwill. The most common mistake is listing only the business’s equipment while ignoring the value of the ownership interest itself, which understates the estate. Filers often believe a small family business has no reportable value, but any ownership interest the deceased held is an asset that belongs on Attachment F.
Line 6G and Attachment G: Notes Receivable and Debt Owed to the Deceased
Line 6G and Attachment G cover Notes Receivable and Other Written Evidence of Debt Owed to the Deceased or Ward, listing the debtor or payor, the amount owed, the date of the note, and the terms of payment. To answer, look for promissory notes, personal loans, or mortgages where someone owes money to the deceased, and record each one. Marcus Bell discovers his father lent money to a cousin and lists Note from Daniel Bell, $8,000, dated 03/15/2024, $250/month on Attachment G.
The nuance is informal family loans: even a handwritten IOU is a note receivable and an estate asset, though its collectability may affect its value. The most common mistake is ignoring money owed to the deceased, which understates the estate and shortchanges the heirs. Many filers believe a loan to a relative is a gift, but unless it was forgiven in writing, it remains a debt owed to the estate and belongs on Attachment G.
Line 6H and Attachment H: Other Miscellaneous Personal Property
Line 6H and Attachment H cover Other Miscellaneous Personal Property, a catch-all for any asset not captured by the earlier categories, listed with individual values. To answer, place here anything that does not fit cleanly elsewhere, such as intellectual property royalties, a club membership with cash value, cryptocurrency, or a tax refund owed to the deceased. Carlos Mendez lists Bitcoin holdings (0.4 BTC), $26,400 and final tax refund, $1,150 on Attachment H.
The nuance is digital assets, which are increasingly common and clearly reportable even though the form predates them; value them at the date-of-death price. The most common mistake is leaving valuable but unusual assets off the inventory because no obvious line fits, which makes the inventory incomplete. Filers often think Attachment H is a junk drawer for trivia, but it is meant to capture real value that the named categories miss, and omitting it can require an amendment.
Total Value of Personal Estate
At the bottom of page two, the form asks for the TOTAL VALUE OF PERSONAL ESTATE, which you get by adding lines 6A through 6H — Cash on Hand plus Attachments B through H — and then copying that total up to page 1, line 5B. To answer, sum the eight category totals carefully and carry the result to the Estate Summary. Robert Chase adds his categories to reach $95,400 and copies it to Line 5B.
The nuance is the cross-page carry: this total must match Line 5B exactly, or page one and page two contradict each other. The most common mistake is a simple addition error or a number that does not match the carried figure on 5B, which the clerk will spot. Many filers believe they can fill in 5B independently, but it is strictly a copy of this page-two total and should never be a separate guess.
Line 7: How the Inventory Value Was Determined
Line 7 asks how the inventory value was determined and lets you check all applicable boxes among appraisal, tax information, bank statement, and other source. To answer, check every method you actually used across the whole inventory. Janet Pillsbury, who used a brokerage statement for stocks, a home appraisal, and bank statements, checks appraisal, bank statement, and other source.
The nuance is that you can and often should check several boxes, because a real estate parcel may need an appraisal while bank balances come from statements. The most common mistake is leaving Line 7 blank, which leaves the court with no idea how you reached your numbers and invites questions. Filers sometimes believe a single source covers everything, but mixed estates almost always rely on more than one valuation method.
Line 8: Fiduciary’s Sworn Statement and Signature
Line 8 is the sworn statement, completed by the fiduciary, in which you fill in your name and the name of the estate and swear you acted faithfully, impartially, and according to your best judgment, that you will immediately amend the inventory if you learn of more assets, and that the information is true and correct. To answer, write your name and the estate name in the blanks, then sign and date at the bottom; every co-fiduciary from Line 1 must sign. Robert Chase signs as fiduciary of the estate of Eleanor Chase and dates it.
The nuance is the certificate of service just below the signatures, where you certify you gave the document to interested parties by hand-delivery, US Mail, or email (email only by prior agreement under a Circuit Court Administrative Order). The most common mistake is signing without serving the interested parties or leaving the service method unchecked, which makes the filing procedurally defective. Filers often believe the oath is a formality, but the form warns that a false statement brings criminal penalties, so accuracy is a legal duty, not a courtesy.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
The following scenarios show three common estate types from start to finish. Each table follows one named fiduciary through the major fields of Form NHJB-2125-P, with date-of-death values throughout.
Scenario 1: Simple Estate — Maria Delgado, Administrator for Her Brother
Maria’s brother died without a will, leaving only a bank account, household goods, and a small amount of cash. She was appointed administrator and files an Original inventory.
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Fiduciary type / filing type | Executor/Administrator; Original |
| Line 1: Fiduciary Name | Maria Delgado |
| Line 2: Attorney / Bar ID | Blank (self-represented) |
| Line 3: Bond Amount | $25,000.00 |
| Line 5A: Real Estate | $0 (no real estate) |
| Line 6A: Cash On Hand | $640.00 |
| Line 6B: Household Furnishings (Attachment B) | $2,100 |
| Line 6E: Bank Deposits (Attachment E) | $12,310 |
| Line 5B / Total Personal Estate | $15,050 |
| Line 5C: Total Entire Estate | $15,050 |
| Line 8: Signature | Maria Delgado, dated, with US Mail service checked |
Scenario 2: Mid-Size Estate with Real Estate — Marcus Bell, Executor for His Father
Marcus is executor of his father’s estate, which includes a house, a car, a bank account, and a note receivable from a relative.
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Fiduciary type / filing type | Executor/Administrator; Original |
| Line 1: Fiduciary Name | Marcus Bell |
| Line 3: Bond Amount | $0 (waived by will) |
| Line 5A: Real Estate (Attachment A) | $328,000 (24 Birch Lane, Concord, Book 3847 Page 211) |
| Line 6C: Other Tangible Property (Attachment C) | $16,200 (2018 Toyota Camry, VIN 4T1B11HK5JU123456) |
| Line 6E: Bank Deposits (Attachment E) | $41,500 |
| Line 6G: Notes Receivable (Attachment G) | $8,000 (note from Daniel Bell) |
| Line 7: Value Determined By | appraisal, bank statement |
| Line 5B / Total Personal Estate | $65,700 |
| Line 5C: Total Entire Estate | $393,700 |
| Line 8: Signature | Marcus Bell, dated, with hand-delivery service checked |
Scenario 3: Complex Estate — Carlos Mendez, Executor with a Family Business
Carlos is executor of his father’s estate, which includes a closely held business, brokerage accounts, real estate, cryptocurrency, and a tax refund. He hires an attorney and a business appraiser.
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Fiduciary type / filing type | Executor/Administrator; Original |
| Line 1 / Line 2 | Carlos Mendez; Attorney Thomas Reed, Bar ID #14092 |
| Line 3: Bond Amount | $500,000.00 |
| Line 5A: Real Estate (Attachment A) | $415,000 |
| Line 6D: Stocks and Bonds (Attachment D) | $210,300 |
| Line 6F: Business Assets (Attachment F) | $84,000 (Mendez Auto LLC, 100% interest) |
| Line 6H: Miscellaneous (Attachment H) | $27,550 (0.4 BTC plus tax refund) |
| Line 7: Value Determined By | appraisal, tax information, bank statement, other source |
| Line 5B / Total Personal Estate | $321,850 |
| Line 5C: Total Entire Estate | $736,850 |
| Line 8: Signature | Carlos Mendez, dated, with email service (by prior agreement) checked |
How to File the Completed Form
Once the inventory is signed, sworn, and complete with all attachments, file it with the Probate Division of the Circuit Court in the county where the deceased lived. New Hampshire’s primary channel is now the Circuit Court electronic filing portal, where you log in, upload the signed PDF and Attachments A through H, pay any applicable fee, and download the electronic confirmation. The portal time-stamps your submission, and that stamp is your proof of the filing date, so save it.
For filers the court exempts from e-filing, paper filing remains available. Mail or hand-deliver the original signed form and attachments to the probate clerk’s office for your county; you can find the correct office through the NH Circuit Court locations page. When you file by mail, send it with tracking and keep the receipt, and when you file in person, ask the clerk to stamp a copy for your records as proof of filing.
Fees for probate filings change over time and vary by document, so confirm the current amount on the New Hampshire court fees schedule before you file rather than guessing. Many courts accept payment by credit card through the portal, or by check or money order payable to the court for paper filings. Whatever channel and payment method you use, the rule is the same: keep a complete copy of the filed inventory, every attachment, and your proof of filing, because you may need to show exactly what you submitted and when.
What Happens After You File
After you file, the clerk dockets the inventory and the interested parties — the heirs and beneficiaries — get their chance to respond. The form’s own notice states that the Probate Division may accept the inventory unless a written objection stating the specific factual or legal basis is filed within 10 days after the inventory is filed. If no one objects, the court generally accepts the inventory and the estate moves forward toward paying debts and distributing assets.
If an interested party does object within that 10-day window, the court reviews the objection and may schedule a hearing to resolve the dispute over a value or an omitted asset. The form also warns interested parties that failing to object may forfeit their right to a hearing, and the Probate Division may then act without a hearing or further notice. This is why serving the parties correctly under Section 8 matters so much: it starts their clock and protects your filing.
The inventory is not the end of your job; it is the baseline. Every later step — paying creditors after the claim period, filing any estate or income tax returns, and preparing the final accounting — measures against the values you reported here. If you later discover an asset you missed, you must file an Amended inventory promptly, because Section 8’s oath obligates you to do so the moment you learn of further estate property.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
Each mistake below pairs the error with its direct consequence, so you can see why it matters.
- Using current market values instead of date-of-death values, which conflicts with tax filings and can force a do-over.
- Missing the 90-day deadline under RSA 554:1, which can lead to your removal as fiduciary.
- Checking Original on a corrected filing, which leaves two contradictory inventories on the docket.
- Leaving the deed’s book and page off Attachment A, which the clerk needs and which delays acceptance.
- Omitting a vehicle’s VIN on Attachment C, which the form expressly requires and the court uses to identify the car.
- Listing clothing, Bibles, or family photos on Attachment B, which the form specifically tells you to exclude.
- Putting bank balances on Line 6A (Cash On Hand) instead of Attachment E, which miscategorizes the funds.
- Subtracting a car loan or mortgage from an asset’s value, which understates the gross estate the inventory must show.
- Forgetting to copy the personal-estate total to Line 5B, which makes pages one and two contradict each other.
- Failing to serve interested parties or leaving the service method unchecked in Section 8, which makes the filing defective.
- Leaving Line 7 blank, which gives the court no basis for your numbers and invites questions.
- Ignoring money owed to the deceased on Attachment G, which understates the estate and shortchanges the heirs.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Do value everything as of the date of death, because that single date controls every figure on the form.
- Do confirm you have the 01/01/2014 version, so the clerk does not reject an outdated form.
- Do attach a separate sheet for every category with value, since the lettered attachments are required for a complete inventory.
- Do keep proof of filing and a full copy, because you must be able to show what you submitted and when.
- Do file an amended inventory the moment you find a new asset, as Section 8’s oath requires.
- Do call the probate clerk when unsure, because a quick question is cheaper than a rejected filing.
Don’t:
- Don’t list sentimental items like Bibles and family photos, which the form excludes by name.
- Don’t guess the bond amount on Line 3, because only the court’s order controls that number.
- Don’t blow the 90-day deadline, since lateness can cost you the fiduciary role.
- Don’t include non-probate assets like payable-on-death accounts or survivorship property, which pass outside the estate.
- Don’t sign the oath without serving interested parties, because service starts their objection clock.
- Don’t use purchase prices for used goods, since fair market value at death is usually far lower.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Many New Hampshire fiduciaries can file the inventory themselves, while complex estates often justify hiring an attorney or appraiser. The table below weighs the trade-offs.
| Filing Pro Se (On Your Own) | Filing With Professional Help |
|---|---|
| Pro: Saves attorney fees, which can run into thousands on a typical estate. | Pro: An attorney catches procedural errors that cause rejections and delays. |
| Pro: You control the timeline and do not wait on a busy office. | Pro: A qualified appraiser defends hard-to-value assets like businesses and real estate. |
| Pro: Simple estates with cash and a car are well within a layperson’s reach. | Pro: Professional help reduces your personal liability for valuation errors. |
| Pro: You learn the estate intimately, which helps every later step. | Pro: Counsel manages objections from interested parties under the 10-day rule. |
| Pro: Court forms and clerk guidance make self-filing realistic for small estates. | Pro: Fees paid for legitimate estate work are usually a reimbursable estate expense. |
| Con: A mistake on values or service can delay the whole estate. | Con: Legal fees reduce what heirs ultimately receive. |
| Con: You bear full responsibility for the sworn oath’s accuracy. | Con: You depend on the professional’s schedule and responsiveness. |
| Con: Valuing a business or unusual asset alone is risky. | Con: Even with help, you remain the signer and the legally responsible fiduciary. |
FAQs
Is Form NHJB-2125-P the same as a New Hampshire “Inventory and Appraisement of the Estate”?
Yes. New Hampshire’s official document for inventorying and valuing estate assets is titled the Inventory of Fiduciary, Form NHJB-2125-P, and it serves the role other states call an inventory and appraisement.
Do I have to file the inventory within 90 days?
Yes. Under RSA 554:1, the fiduciary must file a complete inventory within 90 days of appointment, and missing that deadline can lead to removal as fiduciary.
Do I list real estate values from the town tax card on Attachment A?
No. Attachment A wants fair market value as of the date of death, which usually comes from an appraisal, not the town’s assessed value, though tax data can support it.
Do I put my bank account balances on Line 6A, Cash On Hand?
No. Line 6A is only for physical cash like bills and coins; money in any bank or credit union account belongs on Attachment E instead.
Do I list clothing and family photos on Attachment B?
No. The form specifically tells you not to list wearing apparel, Bibles, family pictures, photographs, or other items of sentimental rather than intrinsic value.
Do I need to enter the VIN for each vehicle on Attachment C?
Yes. Attachment C requires the year, make, model, and full vehicle identification number for every motor or recreational vehicle you report.
Do I subtract a car loan or mortgage from the asset’s value?
No. The inventory lists each asset at its gross fair market value; debts like loans and mortgages are handled separately in the estate’s accounting.
Do I file an amended inventory if I find more assets later?
Yes. Section 8’s oath requires you to amend the inventory immediately when you learn of further estate property, and you check the Amended box with a written explanation.
Do I need an attorney to file this form?
No. New Hampshire allows self-represented fiduciaries to file the inventory, so Line 2 stays blank when you have no lawyer, though complex estates often benefit from help.
Do interested parties get a chance to object to my inventory?
Yes. The form gives beneficially interested parties 10 days after filing to submit a written objection, and failing to object may forfeit their right to a hearing.
Do I include payable-on-death accounts and joint survivorship property?
No. Assets that pass directly to a named beneficiary or surviving joint owner usually skip probate and stay off the inventory of estate assets.
Do sole heirs always have to file this inventory?
No. A sole heir or surviving spouse who files a Waiver of Administration under RSA 553:32 is generally excused from filing an inventory, so confirm your situation with the clerk.
Do I have to value stocks at the price on the date of death?
Yes. Stocks and bonds on Attachment D are valued as of the date of death, typically using that day’s trading price, not the purchase price or today’s price.
Do I sign the form under oath?
Yes. Section 8 is a sworn statement, and the form warns that making a false statement on the inventory will subject you to criminal penalties.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Connecticut Inventory and Appraisement of the Estate + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Indiana Inventory and Appraisement of the Estate + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Idaho Inventory and Appraisement of the Estate + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the New Hampshire Final Account and Petition for Distribution + FAQs
- How to Fill Out a New Hampshire Small Estate Affidavit (w/ Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Vermont Inventory and Appraisement of the Estate + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Arkansas Petition for Probate of Will (w/Examples) + FAQs