The Clerk Recorder is elected to a four-year term, under this term they also serve as the Public Administrator. The Public Administrator is responsible for probating estates for those who have not made prior arrangements to finalize their affairs after death. The District Court Clerk’s Office appoints the Administrator to any estate requiring probate services. These services can be as simple as authorizing cremation or locating next of kin, or as complex as selling all real and personal property, cleaning out the deceased’s home, and managing all financial matters, such as filing tax returns.

In accordance with state law, the Public Administrator may ensure that the property of a decedent is safeguarded when the Medical Examiner-Coroner or law enforcement requests assistance from the Public Administrator’s Office. This would occur when an officer responds to a death and they are unable to immediately locate a family member or when one or more of the following conditions exist:

• there are no known heirs
• an executor has not been appointed
• the named executor of a Last Will and Testament fails to act
• the Last Will and Testament names the Public Administrator as executor
• an heir or heirs requests or petitions to have the Public Administrator appointed as the administrator of the estate
• the Public Administrator determines property of the estate, or property deemed to have value to the estate, is being neglected, wasted, lost, inappropriately transferred, etc.

Payment of Estate Funds for Funeral/Burial Expenses

 When acting as Administrator of the estate, the Public Administrator may pay funeral and burial expenses from available estate funds, within the ability of the estate to pay, and in accordance with the decedent’s wishes, or as provided through Carson City Health and Human Services.  If estate funds are insufficient, Carson City Health and Human Services may furnish the burial or cremation for persons who meet eligibility guidelines.

Pursuant to NRS 150.020 the Public Administrator is paid from the estate, if the funds are available.

If you have any questions regarding the Carson City Public Administrator, please reach out to William “Scott” Hoen @ 775-283-7333 or via email at shoen@carson.org