Public Administrator
Public Guardian
As of February 18, 2024, the Public Guardian is no longer under the Human Services Agency. It is now part of the Health Care Agency’s Behavioral Health Department.
To reach the Public Guardian, please call the Officer of the Day phone line at 805-654-3141 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
The Public Administrator investigates and administers the estates of persons who die with or without a will or an appropriate person willing or able to act as the administrator. The Public Administrator only becomes involved when there is no one else with higher authority to administer the decedent’s estate. The Public Administrator’s functions include searching for existing family members, identifying heirs, making burial arrangements, securing estate assets, and arranging for the payment of debts, sale of personal and real property, and distribution of assets.
Publications and Links
- Public Administrator Brochure
- Folleto del Administrador Público
- Referral to Public Administrator
- Public Administrator Data
Additional Assistance