The Clark County Public Administrator is an elected officer with various responsibilities but two primary areas of authority. The Public Administrator is granted authority pursuant to Nevada Revised Statute, Chapter 253 to safeguard the property of a deceased person when a family member or authorized individual is not available to do so. Often the Clark County Coroner or law enforcement agency will request the assistance of the Public Administrator to respond to a death when they are unable to locate family. The Public Administrator has authority to secure property until a relative, executor or other authorized individual has been located and responds.
In addition to those preliminary duties, the Public Administrator may administer the estate of a decedent when no qualified person is willing or able to administer. Once appointed by the Court, the Public Administrator acts in accordance with Nevada Revised Statute, Title 12 and the direction and instructions provided by District Court.