County Conservatorship

[Arcinio Arauz]

I found a house free and clear then found something of which I need some help understanding. After looking up records and other information it looks as if the owner passed away in 2007. He paid the house off before he passed. It is now showing the Merced County Conservatorship as the owner. It has had renters through the years as well. I thought that when someone dies, the family must go through probate or at least prove a will if one was created. If no family members are present then I was under the impression that the county public administrator comes in to liquidate all assets and then diligently locate any heirs. On the house I found the County Conservatorship now owes the home and has so since 2007, collecting rents too! Please help me understand this because aren't they superposed to sell the house then the proceeds go to the state if no heirs are found?