How much can an executor charge in Arizona?

Arizona allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court (A.R.S. § 14-3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)). 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 4% of estate value.

What are the duties of an executor in Arizona?

An executor in Arizona is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. The process typically takes 4-6 months for simple estates and 6-9 months on average (A.R.S. §§ 14-3719 (PR compensation — "reasonable compensation"; no statutory percentage), 14-3721 (court review of compensation of agents/attorneys employed by PR), 14-3971 (small estate affidavit; HB 2116 / Ch. 24, Laws 2025, 57th Leg. 1st Reg. Sess., eff. Sept. 26, 2025: personal property $200K per subsec. B, real property $300K per subsec. E; 30-day wait personal property, 6-month wait real property), 14-3603 (bond required by default; 4 exceptions: will waiver, all-heir/devisee written waiver, institutional-PR, surviving-spouse small estate; court may impose bond even after waiver per subsec. B), 14-3801 (notice to creditors: publish once/week 3 successive weeks; 4-month claim bar from first publication; mailed-notice creditors: later of 4 months or 60 days from mailing), 14-3803 (nonclaim deadlines), 14-3301 (informal probate — who may apply), 14-3715 (independent administration — PR powers without court order); azleg.gov announcements (57th Leg. 1st Reg. Sess. adjourned June 27, 2025; General Effective Date Sept. 26, 2025)). The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.

How do executor fees compare to attorney fees in Arizona?

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Arizona probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation (A.R.S. §§ 14-3719, 14-3721 (reasonable compensation; court review of reasonableness)). Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries.

How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Arizona?

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

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Estate Value

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.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arizona allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court. 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 4% of estate value.

Yes. Executors in Arizona 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.

Arizona requires executors to post a surety bond. 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 Arizona is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. The process typically takes 4-6 months for simple estates and 6-9 months on average. The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Arizona estate settlement plan outlines each step.

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Arizona probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation. Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. To estimate the attorney fee, use the Arizona probate attorney fee calculator.

Total probate costs in Arizona include executor fees, attorney fees, court filing fees, publication costs, and potentially bond premiums. Executor compensation is one component of the overall expense. On a $500,000 estate, the total runs about $31,645 — roughly 6% of estate value — depending on complexity. Use the Arizona probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

Executor Fees in Arizona

Arizona uses a "reasonable compensation" standard for executor fees, typically 2% to 4% 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, Arizona may require a surety bond (Yes). Bond premiums run approximately 0.5% of the estate value per year. The requirement is waivable (Yes), which reduces overall costs.

Attorney fees are a separate probate cost in Arizona. The attorney fee type is reasonable compensation. Together, executor and attorney fees account for the largest share of probate expenses. The Arizona estate settlement plan details each responsibility and the typical timeline.

The probate timeline in Arizona starts at 4 months for straightforward estates and can extend to 6 months or longer with complications. Executor fees are typically disbursed at final distribution.