The Public Administrator investigates and may administer estates of persons who die with no will, when there is no next of kin, when there is no one else willing or able to act on behalf of the decedent, or when appointed by the court because of a contested will or other extraordinary situation. The overall goal is to carry out the wishes of the decedent when known.

The Public Administrator no longer handles indigent cremations for the county. The Coroner/Sheriff is now handling indigent cremations. Please contact the Sheriff’s Office at      (831) 636-4080 for further information.

The Public Administrator has the same duties and functions as private administrators. They are able to:

• Protect the decedent’s property from waste, loss or theft;
• Make appropriate burial arrangements;
• Conduct thorough investigations to discover all assets;
• Ensure the estate is administered according to the decedent’s wishes;
• Pay decedent’s bills and taxes;
• Locate persons entitled to inherit from the estate and ensure that these individuals receive their inheritance.

View Unclaimed Property

Melinda Casillas is also the County Tax Collector and the Treasurer.

Contact

1131 San Felipe Road
Hollister, CA 95023
Phone Number: 831-636-4043
Email

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Closed on the Following Days

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King’s Birthday
• President’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veteran’s Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• The Day After Thanksgiving
• December 24th 
• Christmas Day