Public Administrator

What happens when there is no family or when family cannot be located and there are funds to distribute?

When an estate has funds to distribute but heirs or beneficiaries cannot be located, the Washoe County Public Administrator follows the requirements set by Nevada Law. 

• If there are known heirs or beneficiaries who cannot be located, the distributions are transferred to the Washoe County Treasurer in accordance with NRS 151.170.  The Treasurer holds these funds for the period specified by statute, giving any authorized party the opportunity to claim them.                                                     
• If there are no known heirs or beneficiaries, the funds are transferred to the Nevada State Treasurer as required under NRS 134.120. 

Each year, the Public Administrator processes and distributes millions of dollars to rightful heirs.  In 2025, our office distributed $4.9 million to heirs and beneficiaries and escheated $9,300 to the State when no heirs could be identified.