Public Administrator

If you do not have a family member or close friend who can take the responsibilities of serving as the Personal Representative (Executor) of your Will, you may consider naming the Washoe County Public Administrator in that role.  When preparing your Will, please state clearly that you are appointing the Washoe County Public Administrator as Personal Representative (Executor).

The Public Administrator cannot be named in a Trust or serve as a trustee under any circumstances. 

If you choose to name the Public Administrator as Personal Representative (Executor), we ask that you notify our office in advance, provide us with a copy of the Will, and let us know where the original document is held.  This helps ensure we are aware of the potential appointment and can respond appropriately when the time comes.     

• For estates valued under $150,000, fees are based on the number of hours required to administer the estate. These hourly rates are approved by the Washoe County Board of Commissioners.                                                                                                                                                     
• For estates valued over $150,000, fees are percentage-based and established by NRS 150.  These are the same statutory fees that apply to any court-appointed administrator.                                                                                                     
• All costs associated with administration - such as postage, storage, and other necessary expenses - are paid from the estate.  

The Washoe County Public Administrator's Office is responsible for managing a decedent's personal and real property.   The handling of the decedent's remains and any funeral arrangements is the responsibility of the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner and/or the Mortuary. 

If the Public Administrator is appointed to administer an estate, or files an Public Administrator Affidavit, they may authorize payment from estate funds for funeral expenses previously arranged by family, or reimburse individuals who covered those costs in advance.  When an estate has limited funds, the Washoe County Regional Medical Center may refer the case to the Washoe County Human Services Agency, which will provide arrangements according to their policies.  If sufficient estate funds later become available, the Public Administrator will reimburse Washoe County Human Services Agency during the course of the estate administration.

Losing a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when you're suddenly responsible for handling their personal and legal affairs.  Taking the process one step at a time can make it more manageable, and many people find that with patience and support, they are able to navigate it successfully. 

The Washoe County Public Administrator's Office does not have attorneys on staff, and therefore cannot provide legal advice.  While we can offer referrals to resources that may be helpful, we cannot direct you or advise you on the specific actions you should take.

Our strongest recommendation is to seek guidance from a Nevada-licensed probate attorney.  Proper legal advice can help you understand your responsibilities and the options available to you.

The requirements of an estate can vary depending on factors such as it's gross value and th ages and relationships of the heirs.  Some resources that may help you get started can be found on the Public Administrator's Useful Tools and Resources page.

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.  

Real Property

When a real property within an estate is to be sold, a Notice of Intent to Sell is filed with the Court and published before the property is listed. 

After this notice and publication, a listing agreement is established with a licensed real estate professional, and the property is listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Any resulting Purchase Agreement is submitted to the Court for approval and remains open to the public bidding at the hearing.

Personal Property 

When personal property is to be sold, items are generally sent to auction.

The Washoe County Public Administrator strongly encourages all individuals to engage in thoughtful and proactive estate planning.  Establishing a clear estate plan not only ensures that your wishes are honored and reduces the burden on loved ones, but also helps us identify the person legally authorized to manage your affairs.  When this information is clearly documented, we can release the estate to the appropriate individual as soon as possible, avoiding delays and ensuring your property is handled exactly as you intend. 

While our office does not provide estate planning services or legal advice, we urge community members to prepare or update important documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.  Proper planning helps prevent situations in which no qualified individual is available to administer an estate-circumstances that may require the Public Administrator to become involved. 

Although we cannot draft documents or provide legal guidance, we do offer referrals to helpful community resources.  Individuals seeking estate planning or legal assistance are encouraged to consult a Nevada-licensed probate or estate planning attorney.  Additional resources, including the Washoe County Law Library, the State Bar of Nevada's Lawyer Referral Service, and other local legal support organizations, can be found on our Useful Tools and Resources page. 

By taking time now to organize your affairs, you provide clarity, protection, and peace of mind for those you care about most-and help ensure that your estate is managed quickly, responsibly, and according to your wishes.     

The Public Administrator is authorized under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 253 to secure a decedent's property immediately after their passing.  When appointed by the Court, the Public Administrator may serve as the administrator of the estate, acting in accordance with NRS Title 12 – Wills and Estates of Deceased Persons, and under the supervision of the Court.

Individuals should keep their original estate planning documents, including their Original Will, in a secure and accessible location.  If you choose to store your Will in a safe deposit box, make sure that a trusted person is authorized and able to access that box, or at a minimum has a copy of the Will and knows where the original is kept.  If no one else is authorized to access the safe deposit box, a Court Order will be required to open it.   

Additional helpful tips:   

• Keep a clearly labeled folder with copies of your documents in an easy-to-find place.
• Review your storage arrangements periodically, especially after major life events, to ensure everything is still accessible.
• Avoid placing your Original Will somewhere overly restrictive or difficult for others to access in an emergency.