What does the Public Administrator do?

The primary function of the Public Administrator is to administer decedents' estates, including: collecting and safeguarding assets, paying debts, and if assets remain after paying debts and expenses, to distribute to those legally entitled. The Public Administrator is charged by the Probate Code to promptly:

1. Petition for appointment as personal representative of the estate if no person having higher priority has petitioned for appointment.
2. Petition for appointment as personal representative of any estate the public administrator determines is proper.
3. Accept appointment as personal representative of an estate when so ordered by the court or as provided in Probate Code Section 7621.
4. Proceed with summary disposition of an estate as authorized by Article 4 (commencing with Section 7660), and in Section 13100 if the total value of the estate does not exceed $150,000.

Further, if no personal representative has been appointed, the Public Administrator shall take prompt possession or control of property of a decedent if it is deemed by the Public Administrator to be subject to loss, injury, waste, or misappropriation, or that the court orders.

The Public Administrator will make a prompt search for other property, a Will, and instructions for disposition of the decedent's remains. If a Will or instructions for disposition is found, the Public Administrator shall deliver the Will to the Court as provided in Section 8200 and Section 7100 of the Health and Safety Code respectively. If there is a custodian of the Will, the Public Administrator shall direct the Custodian to file as appropriate. If other property is located, the Public Administrator shall take possession or control of that property so that it will not be damaged or lost.

Kevin Lacy
Lieutenant

175 South Lena Road
San Bernardino, California 92415-0037

Office Hours:
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Telephone:
(909) 387-2481
(909) 387-2978

Fax:
(909) 387-2335