Stages of Administration

Initial Stage:

Deputy Public Administrator investigates to determine the type and size of the estate and will protect assets from waste, loss or misappropriation, if necessary.  She will contact and locate family to determine if they wish to act as administrator of the estate.  If the family declines to act as administrator of the Decedent's estate, she will obtain forms Declination to Act and Nomination of Administrator, nominating the Public Administrator to act.  With the assistance of County Counsel, the Public Administrator will then prepare the Petition for Appointment and the Court will set the matter for hearing.

Second Stage:

After Letters of Administration are issued, we proceed with the business of the estate (performing an inventory and obtaining an appraisal of all assets the Decedent held as of the date of death and filing said documents with the Court; close personal bank accounts; apply for death benefits, if any; sell personal and real property; determine heirship).

Final Stage:

In the final state of administration, the Public Administrator approves and pays or denies creditor claims, makes a final review of and pays all tax liability and prepares a final accounting of estate assets with the Court.  The Court sets a date for a final hearing.  If you are an heir of the estate, you will receive a copy of the Final Accounting and Notice of Hearing setting a final hearing date.  At the hearing and after Court approval of the accounting, an Order is signed and filed by the Court permitting payment of claims, payment of the Public Administrator and County Counsel's fees, and distribution of the remainder to the entitled beneficiaries of the estate.  Distribution is thereafter made by the Public Administrator to the beneficiaries.