# Which Estates Go Through Probate?


By [rockpointprobate](https://paragraph.com/@httpsrockpointprobate.com) · 2025-05-01

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Most estates do. If the deceased’s assets are above a certain value, or if their property doesn’t transfer automatically (like through joint ownership or beneficiary accounts), a family member or an appointed individual must file a [**Petition for Estate Administration**](https://rockpointprobate.com/new-hampshire-probate-law-and-how-it-works/) at the local court. If the estate is small—worth less than a specific amount—you could file a streamlined request (a Waiver of Administration) that speeds up or sidesteps formal procedures. Otherwise, the court monitors the estate’s progress until distribution is complete.

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*Originally published on [rockpointprobate](https://paragraph.com/@httpsrockpointprobate.com/which-estates-go-through-probate)*