Public Administration FAQ

The Public Administrator is a branch of the Treasurer’s Office responsible  for investigating, managing, and administering certain cases of deceased  Bonner County residents.

The Treasurer, as ex-officio Public Administrator, has the legal authority in  accordance with Idaho Code 14-102 to take custody of the property of a  decedent, investigate the decedent’s assets and obligations, and locate the  decedent’s family. The Public Administrator may open probate for the  decedent’s estate or refer the estate to the appropriate party for  administration.

Generally, the court may appoint a Public Administrator under the following  circumstances:
1. When no executor, personal representative, or administrator has been  appointed and the decedent’s property is uncared for or subject to loss,  injury, or waste;
2. When ordered by the court;
3. When there are no known heirs of the decedent’s estate;
4. When an heir who resides outside of the state of Idaho requests the  Public Administrator to administer the decedent’s estate;
5. When the named Executor fails to act, and no other person has a  preferred right.

If you incurred charges with the decedent, you may be a creditor of the  estate. Creditors must file a Creditor’s Claim and supporting documents  within four (4) months after the Notice by Publication is published, or 60  days after a Notice to Known Creditors is filed with the court. After such a  timeframe elapses, claims are barred against the estate.

Creditor’s claims are paid at the end of court probate proceedings when sufficient estate funds are available.

In the event an estate has insufficient funds to satisfy the decedent’s debts, claims are paid on a priority basis per Idaho Code 15-3-805.

The timeline for an estate varies depending on the complexity of the estate,  as well as the availability of the courts.

Currently Bonner County is utilizing Premier Auctions in Post Falls Idaho.  Individuals who wish to obtain auction dates or preview information regarding upcoming personal property auctions can visit the auctioneer’s website at premierauctioncenter.com.

The Public Administrator will research options and values of the property  and may choose to do a private sale via a realtor, or the property may be  auctioned. All properties are sold “as is, where is.”

Estate distribution will occur upon completion and approval of the final  accounting. The Public Administrator maintains all estate funds in secure,  insured accounts until needed to pay claims and other expenses of the estate.  All assets are safeguarded until sold or distributed.