FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR

WHAT DOES THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR DO?        From the CCPA web page:

The Public Administrator is an elected position entrusted to oversee the administration of the estates of deceased persons who have no qualified person willing and able to do so. The administrator is required by state law to ensure that the property of the deceased is secured until a relative or other designated person can claim the property. These conditions apply when:

• There are no known heirs.
• No executor has been appointed and as a result, the estate, or any part, is being wasted uncared for or lost.
• The named executor of a will fails to act.
• The will names the Public Administrator as executor.
• An heir or heirs wish to have the estate administered for them by the Public Administrator

When the Public Administrator Steps In

In accordance with state law, the Public Administrator must ensure that the property of a deceased person is safeguarded. If the police or coroner cannot immediately locate a family member when there has been a death, they will request the assistance of the Public Administrator's Office.

At the request of or in the absence of relatives, the Public Administrator will make necessary funeral arrangements. Arrangements will be made in accordance with any plans of the deceased and within the ability of the estate to pay.  If it appears that there are insufficient funds for a private service, referrals will be made to Clark County Social Service.

Selling of Property

If the estate is debt free and has sufficient cash to pay claims and expenses, the Public Administrator does not ordinarily sell the real property, securities or jewelry of the deceased without the permission of the heirs. At the request of heirs, the estate will be liquidated at public auction.

WHERE DOES THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR GET HIS or HER AUTHORITY? 

Nevada Revised Statutes CHAPTER 253 - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS AND GUARDIANS

DOES THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR CHARGE FOR SERVICES? 

Yes, fees are set by NRS:  The Public Administrator's Office has the responsibility to protect the valuables of individuals who die in Clark County until family or a legal representative can take possession. This service is furnished 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Estate property is brought into the Public Administrator's warehouse for safekeeping, residences are sealed and locked and vehicles are secured.  Fees collected for services are returned to the County General Fund. This price schedule covers the actual cost of providing the service.   FEE SCHEDULE LINK

ARE ALL NEVADA PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS ELECTED? 

Some are elected, some are appointed, and sometimes the duty is assigned to another office: