The Public Administrator investigates and may administer estates of persons who die with no will, when there is no next of kin, when there is no one else willing or able to act on behalf of the decedent, or when appointed by the court because of a contested will or other extraordinary situation. The overall goal is to carry out the wishes of the decedent when known. The Public Administrator will also determine and authorize use of funds for indigent cremations, when a decedent or next of kin are financially unable to pay for disposition, as required by law.

The Public Administrator has the same duties and functions as private administrators. They are able to:

• Protect the decedent's property from waste, loss or theft;
• Make appropriate burial arrangements;
• Conduct thorough investigations to discover all assets;
• Ensure the estate is administered according to the decedent's wishes;
• Pay decedent's bills and taxes;
• Locate persons entitled to inherit from the estate and ensure that these individuals receive their inheritance.

Mary Lou Andrade is also the County Tax Collector and the Treasurer.

Statement of Legal Responsibility for Interment
Deceased Indigent Program
Frequently Asked Questions - Public Administrator
Unclaimed Estates