Fearless Advocates. Trusted Allies.
Here's What Sets Beaton & Kiers, PLLC Apart
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A History of Wins
Our impressive record of favorable trial outcomes spans a wide range of complex cases.
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Deep Local Knowledge
With extensive understanding of New Hampshire laws, we're ready to fight for you.
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Full-Service Support
We offer comprehensive legal services for individuals and families in crisis.
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Trusted Locally
We've cultivated respected relationships and a solid reputation in the legal community.
Why Estate Planning Matters at Every Stage of Life
Estate planning isn’t reserved for the wealthy or the elderly. It matters for anyone who has people they care about, property they’ve worked for, or preferences they want honored if something unexpected happens. Without a plan, New Hampshire’s intestate succession laws determine how your assets are distributed, and that outcome may not reflect what you would have chosen.
A well-drafted estate plan can accomplish several things at once:
- Prevent family disputes: Clear, legally enforceable documents can reduce the likelihood of conflict among heirs.
- Control asset distribution: You decide who receives what, and when, rather than leaving it to default state rules.
- Protect minor children: Guardian designations and trusts can help provide for your children through the people you choose.
- Support incapacity planning: Powers of attorney and advance directives can allow trusted individuals to act on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself.
- Reduce the probate burden: Proper planning can minimize delays at the 10th Circuit - Probate Division in Brentwood, which handles all Rockingham County estate matters.
Planning now gives your family clarity during a difficult time and gives you more control over your legacy while you still have choices to make.
What Sets Beaton & Kiers, PLLC Apart as Estate Planning Attorneys in Rockingham County
There are estate attorneys throughout the Hampton area. Here’s what distinguishes our approach.
NAELA Membership & Flat-Fee Pricing
Beaton & Kiers, PLLC is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), a recognized professional organization for attorneys focused on estate planning and elder law. That membership reflects our ongoing commitment to staying current in a practice area that continues to evolve under New Hampshire law.
We offer flat fees for estate planning matters. After your initial consultation, we quote a flat fee before work begins, so you know your legal costs upfront, without mounting hourly charges as documents are drafted and reviewed. For clients who are concerned about the expense of legal services, that certainty matters.
Availability, Access & Community Roots
We’re available around the clock. Estate planning questions don’t always arise during business hours, and urgent elder care situations rarely do. Our 24/7 availability means you’re not waiting days for a callback when something important comes up. Free consultations are available in person at our Hampton office or virtually, whichever works better for you. For clients more comfortable in Spanish, we have Spanish speakers on staff.
Attorneys Beaton and Kiers are also active members of the Rockingham County community. Attorney Beaton serves as Vice President of Connor’s Climb Foundation, focused on suicide prevention education. Attorney Kiers is a board member of Family Reach, which supports families facing cancer. These aren’t affiliations held at arm’s length. They reflect how our attorneys show up for the people around them.
The Range of Estate Planning Guidance We Provide
Our work spans the full range of estate planning complexity. Some clients come to us needing a straightforward will. Others arrive with blended families, special needs dependents, business interests, or charitable goals that require a more layered approach. We handle both.
For every client, we begin by understanding the complete picture before recommending any documents. That includes reviewing existing beneficiary designations, current powers of attorney, and any prior estate planning work to identify gaps or provisions that no longer reflect current wishes. Powers of attorney and advance directives are important tools for adults of all ages, not just seniors. They can allow someone you trust to manage your finances or make healthcare decisions if you’re ever unable to do so.
Our estate planning attorneys in Rockingham County assist clients with:
- Comprehensive document review: Beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, and advance directives aligned with current wishes and New Hampshire law
- Wills and trust planning: From simple wills to trusts designed to protect assets for minor children or beneficiaries with special needs
- Long-term planning goals: Succession planning, charitable giving, and tax-efficient asset transfers
- Coordination with area professionals: We work alongside financial advisors and accountants on complex estate matters
Attorneys Beaton and Kiers bring over 50 years of combined experience and strong relationships within the New Hampshire legal community.
How the Probate Process Works in Rockingham County
Rockingham County probate matters are handled by the 10th Circuit - Probate Division, located in Brentwood, NH. For families navigating the process for the first time, understanding the basic sequence helps set realistic expectations.
The process begins when a Petition for Estate Administration is filed with the court and an executor is formally appointed. From that point, the executor has 90 days to file an Inventory of Fiduciary documenting the estate’s assets. New Hampshire’s creditor claim period runs 6 months from the date administration is granted, setting the minimum duration for most formal probate proceedings. Once creditor claims are resolved, assets may be distributed to beneficiaries, and the estate can be closed.
Depending on the circumstances, some estates may qualify for a Waiver of Full Administration, a simplified process that can avoid full formal probate. Assets with named beneficiaries, such as life insurance policies and retirement accounts, and assets held in a living trust typically pass outside of probate entirely. E-filing is available for Rockingham County estate cases initiated electronically through the NH Judicial Branch system.
Working with a local estate attorney helps you:
- File correct petitions and forms for the 10th Circuit - Probate Division
- Navigate required notices to creditors and beneficiaries
- Reduce errors that can delay asset distribution
- Resolve any will contests or disputes under local procedures
Complications such as heir disputes, out-of-state property, or complex asset portfolios can extend the probate timeline significantly. Our familiarity with Rockingham County Probate Court procedures lets us anticipate those issues and address them as they arise.
Don’t wait until it’s too late; start planning for your future today. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you plan for your legacy.
A Long-Term Relationship, Not a One-Time Transaction
An estate plan isn’t something you complete once and file away. Life changes, and the law changes with it. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a named beneficiary, a new property purchase, or a significant shift in financial circumstances can each affect whether your current documents still reflect your intentions. New Hampshire estate law also evolves, and plans that were accurate when drafted may need updating to stay current.
We offer ongoing support and regular plan reviews so these changes don’t catch you off guard. For clients with specific goals around charitable giving, business succession, or the care of a dependent, we document those intentions in a way that helps protect them over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Documents Are Included in a Comprehensive New Hampshire Estate Plan?
A comprehensive estate plan typically includes a will, a durable power of attorney, a healthcare directive (also called an advance directive), and in many cases, one or more trusts. The right combination depends on your family structure and financial situation. After your free initial consultation, we quote a flat fee so you know the cost before any work begins.
How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?
You should review your plan after any major life event: marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or acquiring new property. Even without significant changes, a review every three to five years is a sound practice to account for shifts in New Hampshire law and any changes in your circumstances or intentions.
Can Estate Planning Help Me Avoid Probate in Rockingham County?
It can, depending on how your assets are structured. Assets held in a living trust pass outside of probate, as do assets with named beneficiaries such as retirement accounts and life insurance. Wills don’t avoid probate. Depending on the circumstances, some estates may also qualify for a Waiver of Full Administration, a streamlined process that bypasses full formal probate. We can review your situation and explain which strategies make sense for your goals.
Our lawyers are available to clients 24/7. Call (603) 769-3491 today. We can meet either in person at our Hampton office or virtually.
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"Extremely Knowledgeable"
Amy is wonderful! I really lucked out having her appointed as my lawyer. I'd recommend her 10 out of 10 times.- A.F. -
"Top Notch Service."
By far the most compassionate lawyer I’ve ever had. When you think of a good lawyer Amy Beaton is one of those. I wish I would have found her a lot sooner.- R.A. -
"Exceptional Results"
Attorney Amy Beaton provided exceptional results! She made sure the whole process was as stress-free as possible. Thank you! Highly recommend!- Amy J. -
"A True Advocate"
Amy Beaton of Beaton & Kiers, PLLC, is professional and compassionate in her approach as legal counsel.- Dossi L. -
"Highly Recommend Beaton & Kiers!"
They made what I had put off for so long and thought was going to be a long process, extremely easy. I'm very satisfied with the end result.- M. -
"Smooth Process"
Larissa is a criminal defense attorney and would refer her to anyone in need.- D.W. -
"Professional Services"
Great law firm! We really appreciated the professionalism with our elder care questions and concerns. Thank you Attorney Kiers.
- M.L. -
"Highly Recommend Them Both"
They are both very experienced, dedicated, and compassionate attorneys. Larissa and Amy never stop fighting for their clients. The vast knowledge of these two attorneys makes them a powerhouse in the private sector.- Amy Wallace, Private Investigator AW Investigations, LLC
Estate Law FAQs
We'll Be Your Resource
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 603-769-3491 today!
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Who needs to create an estate plan?All adults need an estate plan, regardless of the size of their estate or their family relationships. Even young adults without many assets need, at a minimum, powers of attorney and advance directives to allow a trusted person to make decisions for them in case they become incapacitated. Of course, it’s also important for families with young children and people with significant assets or complicated family relationships to have an estate plan.
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Should I create a will or trust?Whether you need a will or a trust (or both) depends on your circumstances. If you want to avoid probate, a trust will achieve that, but a will does not. If you are leaving property to minor children, a trust allows you to appoint someone to manage their inherited assets until they are adults and mature enough to do so. There are many different types of trusts for specific purposes such as tax planning or special needs planning. While trusts do have many advantages, not everyone needs one, so consult with an estate planning attorney about what’s right for you.
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What does an elder law attorney do?An elder law attorney focuses on areas of the law that affect older people, such as estate planning, long-term care planning, Medicaid planning, and guardianship and conservatorship.
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When should I hire an elder law attorney?You should consult with an elder law attorney if you want to plan ahead for your own needs as you age, such as putting in place powers of attorney and advance directives in the event you become unable to manage your own affairs. An elder law attorney can also help when an older family member becomes legally incapacitated, needs to enter a nursing home on an urgent basis, or has been the victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation.
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How much does estate planning cost?As you can imagine, the cost of estate planning depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the assets in the estate. In general, though, will-based estate plans are less expensive than trust-based plans. At Beaton & Kiers, we use the initial consultation to evaluate your unique needs, after which we can quote you a flat fee for your planning so you’ll have certainty about your legal costs. Estate planning is an investment, but most people are pleasantly surprised to learn how reasonable a customized estate plan is.
