I. The judge, following a hearing, may appoint an administrator of the estate of a person, with such limitations and powers as the judge deems appropriate:
(a) Presumed dead pursuant to RSA 553:19, I; or
(b) Who has left his or her home and has not been heard of or from directly or indirectly for 6 months and whom the judge believes to be dead.
II. Prior to appointment of an administrator of the estate of a person not heard of, notice shall be published in a newspaper with statewide distribution which is also published on the Internet and one printed in the county in which the person had last lived for one year. Such notice shall be published at least once per week for 4 consecutive weeks. Such other notice shall be given to relatives as the judge may order. The notice shall give the name, age, and such other characteristics and descriptions as shall identify the person, and shall call for information concerning him or her.
Source. 1872, 22:1. GL 195:16. PS 188:17. PL 299:18. RL 352:18. RSA 553:18. 1992, 284:62. 2005, 280:3, eff. Jan. 1, 2006.