Skip to main content
SimplyTrust
SimplyTrust
Create a TrustNewForms & ToolsFreeResourcesStates
LoginGet started
Company
AboutCareersContactFormsCreate a TrustNew
Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSecurityAI Access

© 2026 SimplyTrust Software Inc.

SimplyTrust Logo

Every family deserves a plan. We'll help.

Get startedApp StoreGoogle Play

Forms

  • Revocable Trust
  • Last Will
  • Pour-Over Will
  • Healthcare Proxy
  • Financial POA
  • Transfer on Death Deed

Tools

  • Trust vs Will
  • Probate Calculator
  • Who Inherits
  • Estate Settlement
  • Death Tax Calculator
  • Life Insurance

Learn

  • Revocable Living Trusts
  • Last Will and Testaments
  • Articles
  • State Guides
  • Estate Law
  • Life Events

Directories

  • Law Firms
  • Financial Assets
  • Digital Assets
  • Government Agencies

Company

  • About
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Create a Trust

SimplyTrust is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal counsel, or attorney review. Information on this platform is for general informational purposes only. Use of SimplyTrust does not create an attorney-client relationship. You are solely responsible for all documents you create. For advice tailored to your circumstances, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

© 2026 SimplyTrust Software Inc. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy·Terms of Service·Security··AI Access

All content, data, and calculations are proprietary. Automated scraping, systematic downloading, or data extraction is prohibited under our Terms of Service. Product visuals are simulated for illustrative purposes and may differ from actual experience. Logos provided by Logo.dev.

A will is a wish. A trust is a plan.

Create and manage your trust online.

How it works

No probate. No public record. No court.

Estate Ledger

Every decision signed, timestamped, and hashed

Pricing

Simple, transparent pricing

Download

Get the app on iOS and Android

Home→Tools→Executor Fee Calculator→Alabama

How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Alabama?

Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. Fees vary by state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alabama allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court.Ala. Code §§ 43-2-680, 43-2-848 (capped at 2.5% of receipts + 2.5% of disbursements; court may award more for extraordinary services)Verified May 31, 2026 Courts consider the size and complexity of the estate, the time spent, and the executor's skill and experience. Typical fees range from 2% to 5% of estate value.

Yes. Executors in Alabama can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. Family members serving as executor often waive compensation, particularly when they are also beneficiaries of the estate. Waiving the fee reduces the overall cost of probate and increases the amount available for distribution to beneficiaries.

Alabama requires executors to post a surety bond.Ala. Code § 43-2-851Verified May 31, 2026 The bond requirement can be waived in the will or by court order. The typical annual bond premium is approximately 0.5% of the estate value. The bond protects beneficiaries against executor misconduct or mismanagement.

An executor in Alabama is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries.Ala. Code §§ 43-2-680 + 43-2-848 (executor compensation), 43-2-682 (attorney fees), 43-2-691, 43-2-692, 43-2-698 (small estate / Summary Distribution; HB164 / Act 2025-431, eff. Oct 1, 2025), 43-8-110/111/112/116 (homestead, exempt property, family allowance, CPI adjustment), 43-2-350 (creditor claims), 43-2-851 (bond), 43-2-834 (informal admin), 43-2-61 (publication), 12-19-90 (filing fees); Alabama State Treasury CPI Information page (treasury.alabama.gov/cpi-information) for current $18,800/$18,800/$9,400 allowances effective April 1, 2024 (next CPI adjustment July 1, 2026, effective April 1, 2027). Re-verified 2026-05-31 via enrolled HB164-enr.pdf (alison.legislature.state.al.us), treasury.alabama.gov/cpi-information, and legis.alabama.gov primary sources — all values confirmed correct.Verified May 31, 2026 The process typically takes 6-12 months for simple estates and 12-18 months on average. The 6-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Alabama executor checklist outlines each step.

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Alabama probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation.Ala. Code § 43-2-682 (court fixes reasonable attorney fees at settlement)Verified May 31, 2026 Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries.

Total probate costs in Alabama include executor fees, attorney fees, court filing fees, publication costs, and potentially bond premiums. Executor compensation is one component of the overall expense. The total typically ranges from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. Use the Alabama probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

Executor Fees in Alabama

Alabama uses a "reasonable compensation" standard for executor fees, typically 2%Ala. Code §§ 43-2-680, 43-2-848 (capped at 2.5% of receipts + 2.5% of disbursements; court may award more for extraordinary services)Verified May 31, 2026 to 5%Ala. Code §§ 43-2-680, 43-2-848 (capped at 2.5% of receipts + 2.5% of disbursements; court may award more for extraordinary services)Verified May 31, 2026 of the estate value. Courts consider estate complexity, time spent, and the executor's responsibilities when evaluating fees. The probate calculator provides a complete cost estimate.

In addition to executor fees, Alabama may require a surety bond (YesAla. Code § 43-2-851Verified May 31, 2026). Bond premiums run approximately 0.5%Ala. Code § 43-2-851Verified May 31, 2026 of the estate value per year. The requirement is waivable (YesAla. Code § 43-2-851Verified May 31, 2026), which reduces overall costs.

Attorney fees are a separate probate cost in Alabama. The attorney fee type is reasonable compensationAla. Code § 43-2-682 (court fixes reasonable attorney fees at settlement)Verified May 31, 2026. Together, executor and attorney fees account for the largest share of probate expenses. The Alabama executor checklist details each responsibility and the typical timeline.

The probate timeline in Alabama starts at 6 monthsAla. Code §§ 43-2-680 + 43-2-848Verified May 31, 2026 for straightforward estates and can extend to 12 monthsAla. Code §§ 43-2-680 + 43-2-848Verified May 31, 2026 or longer with complications. Executor fees are typically disbursed at final distribution.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 31, 2026

Legal Sources

  • Ala. Code § 43-2-682 (court fixes reasonable attorney fees at settlement)
  • Ala. Code § 43-2-851
  • Ala. Code §§ 43-2-680 + 43-2-848
  • Ala. Code §§ 43-2-680, 43-2-848 (capped at 2.5% of receipts + 2.5% of disbursements; court may award more for extraordinary services)

Data sourced from Alabama statutes and official state code. How we research.

Your kids shouldn't have to do this.

Court filings, creditor windows, frozen accounts — a revocable living trust skips them all.

Get startedApp StoreGoogle Play

Alabama Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Alabama probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

$

Total value of estate assets before debts. Executor fees are calculated on gross value.

Calculate executor compensation

Select your state and enter the estate value to see what an executor can charge.

Examples:

Executor fees (also called personal representative compensation) are calculated on gross estate value. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Executors may waive their fee. Family members serving as executor often do so without compensation. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

SimplyTrust

We're here when you're ready

Is this your situation?

Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.

Named as Executor

Named as Executor

Being named executor means navigating probate, managing assets, and distributing the estate. What's expected, what you can charge, and how to start.

Learn more