In general, when someone dies, the estate must go through probate which can be a complicated and lengthy process. But many states provide less complicated options for smaller estates.

New Hampshire law provides for simplified probate when the decedent leaves a surviving spouse or, if not surviving spouse, and only child, named as the administrator of the estate.  After a waiting period of six months, the administrator may file an affidavit stating that there are no outstanding debts and list any real estate owned by the decedent.