Public Administration
The Public Administrator serves a vital legal and fiduciary role in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Appointed by the Governor under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 194, Public Administrators are responsible for the orderly administration of decedents’ estates, particularly when there is no appointed personal representative, executor, or known heir.
The Law Offices of Jessica Clarke, P.C. supports Public Administration matters across Plymouth, Norfolk, and Bristol Counties through the Governor-appointed Public Administrator serving each county:
Plymouth County Jessica Clarke, Esq.
Norfolk County James “Jim” Shanley, Esq.
Bristol County David Chaves, Esq.
Comprehensive Estate Investigation and Asset Identification
• Locating, securing, and valuing known estate assets;
• Conducting research to identify additional property, accounts, and interests;
• Ensuring estate assets are properly identified and accounted for under law.
Fiduciary Administration and Legal Compliance
• Petitioning for appointment and administering estates in accordance with Massachusetts probate law;
• Paying valid debts, taxes, liens, and expenses as required by law;
• Maintaining appropriate records and reporting to the Probate and Family Court as required;
• Acting under court supervision and maintaining appropriate fiduciary bonding.
Heir and Beneficiary Protection
• Providing required notice to interested parties and rightful heirs;
• Conducting heir and genealogical research when necessary;
• Distributing estate assets in accordance with Massachusetts law after identification of rightful heirs and completion of the probate process.
Each Public Administrator serves as a fiduciary and is subject to statutory duties, court oversight, and legal accountability. The goal is to protect estate assets, preserve the rights of heirs and beneficiaries, and move unresolved estates toward proper administration and distribution.
If you or your loved ones need guidance with probate or estate administration - particularly in matters involving unknown heirs, intestate estates, or unresolved property - our office is available to help. We also welcome inquiries regarding properties in Plymouth, Norfolk, or Bristol County that appear abandoned, remain titled in the name of a deceased owner, or may be tied to an estate that was never fully administered.
Contact our office to discuss whether Public Administration may provide a path forward.
