Public Administrator Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Public Administrator, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Public Administrator?

History and Meaning of Public Administrator

A public administrator is appointed by the court to act as an executor for the estate of a deceased person who either has no legal heirs or whose heirs have declined to take on the responsibility. The public administrator is responsible for managing the estate, including identifying and inventorying assets, paying any outstanding debts or taxes, and distributing any remaining assets to the appropriate parties.

The position of public administrator has a long history tracing back to medieval times in Europe when the local lord or king appointed an administrator to manage the property of a deceased person who had no heirs. Today, public administrators are appointed by courts in the United States to handle similar situations.

Examples of Public Administrator

1. The court appointed a public administrator to manage the estate of a wealthy businessman who died without any heirs.
2. The public administrator was responsible for distributing the assets of the deceased to his surviving relatives according to the terms of his will.
3. The state-appointed public administrator worked to track down the heirs of a deceased individual who had no immediate family or will.

Legal Terms Similar to Public Administrator

1. Executor - a person designated in a will to carry out the wishes of the deceased and distribute their assets.
2. Trustee - a person or organization appointed to manage assets held in trust for the benefit of others.
3. Conservator - a person appointed by the court to manage the financial affairs of an individual who is unable to do so themselves.