-
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Description
Within the government-to-government relationship, the Bureau of Indian Affairs provides services directly or through contracts, grants, or compacts to 567 Federally recognized tribes with a service population of roughly 1.9 million American Indian and Alaska Natives. Programs administered include an education system consisting of 183 schools for approximately 42,000 students.
Designated Services
Accessing a probate order
Description
Upon the death of a loved one who owned trust assets, family members of the decedent, Tribes or any party that has an interest in the estate contact the BIA to begin a probate hearing and must receive an issued probate order for the distribution of assets.
Why this service was designated
This service upholds the trust responsibilities of the Department of Interior. By ensuring the cases are prepared and submitted accurately and timely, new owners can be maintained keeping ownership to land current and accurate. There are approximately 24,500 cases that need to be prepared for adjudication. Accurate ownership means that the heirs who will inherit can exercise their rights when it comes to making decisions about the land in which they own an interest.
Receiving trust assets
Description
The heirs of the estate, along with any claimants that may be awarded a claim utilize the service upon the issuance of the probate order from the Office of Hearing and Appeals. Once a Probate order is issued, the distribution of assets will allow the heirs to benefit from their new holdings.
Why this service was designated
When the probate process is in its final phase, currently, there are no digital means to obtain a status during this process. Approximately 3,300 cases are awaiting asset distribution. BIA remains committed to improving its service delivery to ensure that assets are distributed to identified heirs; transferring what is rightfully theirs and providing some sense of closure for the passing of a loved one.