A message from Michael J. Smith, Public Administrator:

As Public Administrator of the County of Marin, my legal responsibilities to Marin County residents require me to:

• Secure property if a person dies in Marin County and a relative or other appropriate person is not immediately available to claim the property.
• Provide for interment of a deceased person when there are no known relatives, make a search for heirs, and, if none are found, administer the estate.
• Protect the assets and manage the affairs of deceased residents of Marin County who, at the time of death, left no known heirs, no will, and no named executor, or when there is not a qualified person willing to assume the responsibility.

In addition, I may act as the administrator of estates when named in a will as executor or when heirs ask that I act as administrator.

In order to carry out my responsibilities, I oversee an experienced professional staff of Deputy Public Administrators who are sworn to provide services in accordance with California state law.  I also maintain the services of Marin County Counsel, who are attorneys experienced in the practice of Probate law.

Office Hours: Monday through Friday   9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed Holidays
Phone Number: (415) 499-6151;  Fax (415) 499-3011
Please phone for an appointment as our staff members frequently work in the field.
E-mail: jwalter@co.marin.ca.us

Marin County Public Administrator
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 209
P.O. Box 4220
San Rafael, CA 94913-4220

Michael J Smith - Public Administrator
Roy Given - Assistant

For more information about the Public Administrator, please click on the Brochure link at the top of the page.

To view our probate sale page, please click on the Probate Sale link at the top of the page.