New Hampshire § 551-2 - Section 551:2 Requirements.
Full text of New Hampshire New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 551-2 — Section 551:2 Requirements., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 551-2. Section 551:2 Requirements.
I. To be valid, a will or codicil to a will shall: (a) Be made by a testator qualifying under RSA 551:1; and (b) Be in writing; and (c) Be signed by the testator, or by some person at his or her express direction in his or her presence; and (d) Be signed by 2 or more credible witnesses, who shall, at the request of the testator and in the testator's presence, attest to the testator's signature. II. No seal shall be required. These requirements shall apply to all wills executed on or after January 1, 1993. III. (a) For the purposes of this chapter, a person attesting a will or codicil as a witness shall be deemed in the presence of the testator if the witness, the testator, the other witness or witnesses, as the case may be, and a notarial officer who is (1) the attorney, licensed to practice law in New Hampshire and in good standing, who drafted the will or codicil; (2) another attorney, licensed to practice law in New Hampshire and in good standing, under the drafting attorney's supervision; or (3) a paralegal under the supervision of either such attorney, can communicate simultaneously by sight and sound through an electronic device or process at the time all of them sign the will or codicil, which may be signed in multiple counterparts. A witness need not be physically present within the state of New Hampshire at the time the witness attests to the testator's signature. (b) Nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to allow an electronic will or codicil. This paragraph shall apply only to wills executed on or after March 23, 2020.
Source: official New Hampshire text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire § 551-2
What does New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 551-2 cover?
Section 551-2 ("Section 551:2 Requirements.") is part of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Hampshire. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Hampshire § 551-2?
A common citation format is "New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 551-2" (New Hampshire). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Hampshire law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Hampshire official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney.
How does New Hampshire § 551-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Hampshire can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.