Public Administrator

The Public Administrator serves a vital legal and fiduciary role in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Appointed by the Governor to serve Plymouth County under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 194, the Public Administrator is tasked with the orderly administration of decedents’ estates, particularly when there is no appointed personal representative, executor, or known heir.  

As Public Administrator, Jessica is entrusted with managing estates with professionalism, integrity, and strict legal accountability. Her responsibilities include: 

Comprehensive Estate Investigation and Asset Identification 
• Locating, securing, and valuing all known estate assets; 
• Conducting thorough research to identify additional property, accounts, and interests; 
• Ensuring all estate components are properly accounted for under law.  

Fiduciary Administration and Legal Compliance 
• Applying for Letters of Administration or administering estates in accordance with Massachusetts probate statutes; 
• Paying valid debts, taxes, and expenses as required by law; 
• Maintaining detailed records and reporting regularly to the Probate Court; 
• Acting under continuous judicial oversight and bonded for faithful administration.  

Heir and Beneficiary Protection 
• Providing formal notice to all interested parties and rightful heirs; 
• Administering the estate in the best interests of heirs and beneficiaries at all times; 
• Distributing estate assets in accordance with Massachusetts intestacy laws after thorough identification of rightful heirs and court approval.  

Jessica’s role is governed by statutory duty and fiduciary obligation. All actions taken in estate administration are performed with care, accuracy, and full transparency - with the primary objective of protecting the estate and maximizing benefit to heirs and beneficiaries.  

Importantly, heirs always retain legal rights: they may elect to serve as the personal representative of the estate at any stage, petition the Probate Court for change of appointment, and assume responsibility if they choose.  

If you or your loved ones are navigating the loss of a family member and need guidance through the probate and estate administration process - especially in cases involving unknown heirs, intestate decedents, or complex asset portfolios - the Public Administrator provides experienced stewardship backed by professional legal standards. Additionally, if you are aware of a property that appears abandoned, you may reach out to our office to research the property. Early identification can help prevent property deterioration, unpaid taxes, and prolonged probate delays, and may assist in protecting the rights of heirs and preserving estate assets under court supervision.