In Re Dockham Estate

RSA 8:43 provides in part that the “ state is entitled to recover the expense of care, treatment and maintenance of any patient or inmate at [the New Hampshire Hospital] . . . from the patient or inmate ... or his estate . . . .” Provisions added in 1965 relate to recovery of the expense of care of inmates at the Laconia State School. Laws 1965, c. 16; RSA 8:43 (supp).

RSA 556:3 (supp) provides that no action against an administrator shall be sustained “ unless the demand was exhibited to the administrator within six months after the original, grant of administration . . . .” The issue…