Commonly Asked Questions

What Services Does the Clark County Public Administrator Provide?

The Clark County Public Administrator serves two important functions for residents of Clark County. The Public Administrator secures property of people who pass away in Clark County while a search for family or the decedent's executor is performed. The Public Administrator also administers estates in court when families cannot.

What does the Clark County Public Administrator do?

NRS 253.0405 Circumstances under which a public administrator may secure property of the deceased.

Before the issuance of the letters of administration for an estate, before filing an affidavit to administer an estate pursuant to NRS 253.0403 or before petitioning to have an estate set aside pursuant to NRS 253.0425, the public administrator may secure the property of a deceased person if the administrator finds that:

1. There are no relatives of the deceased who are able to protect the property; or 2. Failure to do so could endanger the property.

(Added to NRS by 1983, 1597; A 1991, 197; 1999, 918; 2009, 2269)

How does the Clark County Public Administrator safeguard property?

In accordance with State law, the Public Administrator may act to secure the property of a decedent before appointed to administer the estate when, 1) the Coroner or Law Enforcement agency requests assistance at the scene of a death when they are unable to immediately locate a family member, and/or 2) when there is risk to the property. NRS 253.0405 Circumstances under which a public administrator may secure property of the deceased. Before the issuance of the letters of administration for an estate, before filing an affidavit to administer an estate pursuant to NRS 253.0403 or before petitioning to have an estate set aside pursuant to NRS 253.0425, the public administrator may secure the property of a deceased person if the administrator finds that: 1. There are no relatives of the deceased who are able to protect the property; or 2. Failure to do so could endanger the property. (Added to NRS by 1983, 1597; A 1991, 197; 1999, 918; 2009, 2269)

How does the Clark County Public Administrator administer estates?

The Clark County Public Administrator (CCPA) is often required to administer estates of those who pass away as residents of Clark County. If a family cannot be found after initial investigations, the CCPA must often begin the administration of an estate to secure funds to hire a professional heir search firm. In other instances, the CCPA is nominated by family or an executor who chooses not to perform the administration. The CCPA may also be appointed by the court in the event of disputes within an estates. The probate process is often very complicated and time-consuming. The CCPA, like other court-appointed administrators, will typically hire an attorney to assist with the legal process. Depending on the value of the property of the deceased person, the estate administration may take months to years to complete. The process involves the collection of all financial assets, the payment of any final taxes and debts, and the distribution of assets. This is all performed under the supervision of the courts. While the process can be lengthy for any administration, court supervision ensures that the estate is administered with transparency and the best interests of all involved parties taken into consideration.

How does the Clark County Public Administrator handle Unclaimed Estate Distributions?

If the Public Administrator is appointed to administer an estate where there are no known heirs or in which the eligible heirs cannot be located by the Public Administrator, the Court will order the applicable distributions be handled as follows: If there are no known heirs or beneficiaries, the distributions are paid to the Nevada State Treasurer pursuant to NRS 134.120. If there are known heirs or beneficiaries that cannot be located, the distributions are forwarded to the Clark County Treasurer pursuant to NRS 151.170. The funds are held for a specified period of time established by NRS to allow for an authorized party an opportunity to collect the funds. If that period has lapsed and any part is still left unclaimed, the funds are submitted to the Nevada State Treasurer as Unclaimed Property. During administration of estates, the Clark County Public Administrator (CCPA), like all court-appointed estate administrators, is charged with liquidating property of the estate. This includes real property and personal property. The sale of all property is done in the most transparent way to ensure that families and other interested parties are satisfied that the CCPA has obtained the best value possible for estates.

How does the Clark County Public Administrator handle Personal Property Auctions?

The CCPA periodically conducts the sales of personal property of estates through public auctions. The property is first appraised and then submitted to auction. Those items that typically go to public auction are jewelry, coins, and other collectibles

What are the Nevada 2022 Primary Election Results?

https://elections.clarkcountynv.gov/ElectionResults/ENR.aspx

What are the Primary Election Results for Clark County Public Administrator?

How does the Clark County Public Administrator handle Vehicles?

While vehicles are technically personal property, the sales of vehicles are conducted through public auctions separately during public auction events that include the sales of vehicles of other Clark County departments.

How does the Clark County Public Administrator handle Firearms?

The CCPA also sells firearms of estates. Due to the licensing requirements for purchasers, the CCPA sells firearms on consignment through a federally licensed firearms dealer.

How does the Clark County Public Administrator handle Real Estate?

The CCPA regularly sells real property during estate administrations. Given that real estate is often the most important asset of an estate, the CCPA takes care to ensure that the greatest possible value is obtained during the sale of the real property. The CCPA utilizes real estate professionals that repair properties to ensure that those properties can obtain the current fair market value for the estate. After receiving a nomination from the family or the determination of a need for administration by the CCPA, the CCPA will conduct an analysis of the current equity of the real property. The CCPA will also obtain an appraisal of the current condition of the real property. The realtor assigned to the real property will then obtain quotes for repairs to the home. Lastly, an assessment of the likely full fair market value of the home, if fully renovated, will be made. If the analysis shows that the repairs should be made to obtain the best value, the CCPA will direct the realtor to conduct the repairs to the real property. After repairs are completed, the home will be listed at current fair market value. Typically, homes require repairs that will allow the estate to receive far more than if the real property was sold without such repairs. A home may need various renovations, such as significant landscaping, plumbing and electrical repairs, structural repairs, flooring and fixture replacement, and painting. Without performing these repairs, the real property's value is far lower than if the real property was fully renovated. These funds would in essence go in the pocket of the buyer, instead of the estate. Please note: The renovations/repairs to real estate are not paid with funds of Clark County, Nevada or the Clark County Public Administrator. These repairs are made using funds provided by vetted and qualified realtors at their own risk. Realtors are required to use only licensed, bonded and insured professionals.

Why did Patsy Brown run for Clark County Public Administrator?

Patsy Brown is running for Clark County Public Administrator because she has a vision for the office to teach Nevadans about the importance of estate planning which safeguards property but more importantly guarantees generational wealth. As well as , spreading the work amongst local realtors,attorneys, and auctioneer houses which helps with the local economy. The goal is to ensure that Nevadans are respected and treated compassionately when receiving essential services from Clark County personnel after a loved one's passing. She is experienced in working with individuals while dealing with legal matters that seem overwhelmingly complex and her understanding of the law allows me to advocate for clients to ensure that they are treated fairly during the legal process. As a Rotarian, she believes in service before self and she is able to communicate clearly and concisely with people of diverse backgrounds.

Who is Patsy Brown?

Patsy Brown is a wife, mother, Contract Lawyer, Federal Contractor, Rotarian, community advocate, and business owner, who represents the 5th generation of her family’s entrepreneurial dedication to public service.

What experience does Patsy Brown have for Clark County Public Administrator?

As a lawyer Patsy Brown is experienced in working with individuals while dealing with legal matters that seem overwhelmingly complex and her understanding of the law allows her to advocate for clients to ensure that they are treated fairly during the legal process. Prior to pursuing a career in politics, Brown was a Restaurateur in Southern California for over 25 years, operated an international product development firm, and was the Administrative Manager at The Law Office of Ellison & Associates all while employing over 600 people worldwide.

What has Patsy Brown done in the community?

In the community Patsy Brown has served Business Owners by working with the Armed Forces Chamber of Commerce. Brown has served the Homeless by working with the Fresh Start 5 Homeless Court ,Project 150 , and The Salvation Army. Brown has served Seniors by working with AARP Seniors to Work program and the Martin Luther King Jr. Senior Center. Brown has served Veterans by working with the Las Vegas Veterans Treatment Court. Brown has served our Youth at Fong Nobles After-School Mentoring Program, and Wing and Lilly Fong Elementary School. (Title I School)