Categories of Estates Handled by the Public Administrator

A.  Indigent Estates

      These are estates without sufficient funds for disposition of the Decedent's remains and no heirs to take care of disposition arrangements.  In situations where the assets of an estate are not sufficient to pay for disposition, the law requires disposition by the relatives of the decedent.  If there are no relatives or other persons to act, the County assumes that responsibility.

B.  Summary Estates

      (1)  Estates not exceeding $50,000.00 in value.  The Public Administrator may act without court authorization to marshal and distribute the assets of these estates pursuant to the Probate Code.

      (2)  Estates valued at $50,000.00 to $166,250.00.  The Public Administrator may act after an exparte application seeking authority to summarily dispose of a small estate is approved by the court.

C.  Formal Probate

      These are estates over $166,250.00 in value.  An estate of this size is handled by the Public Administrator under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court.  The proceeding commences from the first filing of a petition and appointment of the Public Administrator.  Other procedures subject to court approval include proving a Will, sale of property, paying taxes, and distribution of assets.  An accounting is completed and submitted to the court to show what was done before the Public Administrator is discharged.