Newton County
Public Administrator
The office of the Public Administrator holds a unique role in caring for those in our county who are unable to care for themselves.
Public Administrator Joy Williams
What does the county Public Administrator do?
The Public Administrator manages private property that has no suitable care person, such as property of orphaned children with no guardian, or property of individuals who die without family or will, or those declared incompetent.
The Public Administrator’s office is responsible for decisions regarding placement, medical consents, educational/habilitation plans, finances and the general health and safety of each person, or ward, whose care is entrusted to this office by the Probate Court.
The Public Administrator’s duties are to care for those individuals that, unfortunately, no one else can or will.
Case Load
Caring for wards of Newton County
300
Open case load, approximately
75%
Of wards with mental illnesses, approximately
24/7
On call, 24 hours a day, seven days a week
4
Paid employees on staff
The office
Mission, appointments & authority
Mission
Our clients are incapacitated or disabled in a way that renders them unable to make their own decisions for their welfare and finances. These individuals become wards of our county, under the supervision of the Newton County Probate Court, and the Public Administrator has the solemn duty as their Guardian to care for their every need. I am often humbled by the thought that we, as a community, truly care for those in our county who are in desperate need.
Appointments
Public Administrators are appointed by the Missouri Circuit Court, Probate Division, to serve primarily on three types of cases:
- Guardian and/or conservator for mentally disabled persons
- Personal representative of deceased persons
- As conservator of minor estates
However, the majority of appointments in any Public Administrator’s office will be as guardian/conservator for mentally disabled persons.
Authority
The authority and obligations of the Public Administrator are created by Missouri Statute 473.430, RSMo et seq. RSMo 473.743 sets forth the kind and category of cases and estates which the Public Administrator shall assume, including decedent estates, minor’s estates and the estates of persons who are disabled and incapacitated.
All Public Administrator offices in the State of Missouri are “fee offices” meaning that fees are charged for services (usually based upon the time invested by the office and upon the client’s ability to pay). Fees must be approved by court order.
Learn more
Guardianship & conservatorship
Contact Information
Contact the Public Administrator
Write to the Public Administrator’s office at publicadmin@newtoncountymo.gov, or call during office hours.
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