Santa Barbara — Office of the Public Administrator

Source: https://www.countyofsb.org/tt-office-of-the-public-administrator

Browser-rendered transcription; source.html is the HTTP shell.

The Public Administrator receives referrals from the Coroner, hospitals, mortuaries, and relatives of a decedent.

When it appears that no one has assumed responsibility for the decedent’s estate, the Public Administrator searches for a will, and possible heirs. The Public Administrator attempts to contact heirs to determine if they will take responsibility for the estate.

The Public Administrator has the authority to take possession or control of the decedent’s property. The Public Administrator may arrange for the disposition of the decedent's remains. If there are sufficient funds to carry out the decedent’s written directives for final disposition, those instructions are followed. The Public Administrator may liquidate the decedent's personal property to satisfy creditors who have made legitimate claims against the estate. Remaining estate assets are distributed to those entitled to inherit. When there is no will, California Probate Code lists the order of persons entitled to inherit. When heirs cannot be found, the remaining funds are escheated to the state. If an heir comes forward later, they may recover the funds through a claim to the State Controller.