What Are The Responsibilities Of The Public Administrator?
A. Location of Beneficiaries and Heirs When it appears that no one with a higher authority is acting to handle the decedent’s estate, it is the duty of the Public Administrator to make a diligent search for a will and the names and addresses of heirs. If a will is found, the named executor is notified. If no will is found, then the Public Administrator will attempt to contact heirs of the decedent to determine if they are willing or able to handle the estate. If there are no heirs or the heirs are unable to act, the Public Administrator may handle the disposition of the estate. B. Possession of Assets If no personal representative has been appointed, the Public Administrator has the responsibility to take prompt possession or control of the property of a decedent in the county that is subject to loss, injury, waste, or misappropriation, or that the court orders into the possession or control of the Public Administrator. All assets of a decedent’s estate are brought under the control of
