Revision: Jan. 3, 2023, 2:03 p.m.
2023 SESSION
23-1017.0
04/05
SENATE BILL [bill number]
AN ACT relative to the authority of registers of probate.
SPONSORS: [sponsors]
COMMITTEE: [committee]
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
ANALYSIS
This bill establishes specific authority and duties of the registers of probate.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
23-1017.0
04/05
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Three
AN ACT relative to the authority of registers of probate.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Section; Registers of Probate; Authority. Amend RSA 548 by inserting after section 1 the following new section:
548:1-a Information About Probate Court Filings.
I. Registers of probate shall provide information prepared by the circuit court, probate division, to parties regarding the probate process. The information prepared by the probate division shall include an overview of probate process and court contact information for parties to probate cases.
II. Registers of probate shall complete the probate portion of the circuit court training for volunteers under the court navigator program prior to taking the oath of office. If after being given a reasonable time, in the judgment of the commissioners, to complete the required training or correct a decertification by the court system the county commissioners of the county involved may declare the office vacant and appoint a replacement resister of probate.
III. Registers of probate who have completed training provided by the circuit court, for volunteers under the court navigator program can provide assistance to parties in probate division cases to the same extent as a court navigator volunteer.
IV. Registers of probate shall not provide legal assistance, They may provide assistance with process issues such as assistance in logging into and navigating the court computer system and other assistance consistent with their training. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize registers of probate to give legal advice or otherwise engage in the unauthorized practice of law. Registers of probate shall be answerable to the county commissioners and are not judicial branch employees.
V. Registers of probate shall not charge a fee but may receive any compensation for services provided as authorized under RSA 548:17 or as provided by the county delegation.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.