How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Arkansas?
Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. Fees vary by state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arkansas allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court.Ark. Code § 28-48-108(a) (just and reasonable; not to exceed 10% first $1K + 5% next $4K + 3% balance of personal property passing through PR's hands)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 3% of estate value.
Yes. Executors in Arkansas 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.
An executor in Arkansas is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries.Ark. Code §§ 28-48-108(a) (executor compensation — just and reasonable cap: 10% first $1K / 5% next $4K / 3% balance of personal property), 28-48-108(d)(2) (attorney fee schedule — 6-tier progressive, 5% to 2%, on total market value), 28-41-101 (small estate affidavit, $100K / 45 days / real property counts toward cap), 28-50-101 (creditor claims: 6 months from first publication; 2-year bar for non-noticed creditors; 5-year absolute bar), 28-48-201 (bond — "may require", discretionary; amended by Act 326 of 2023 / HB1448, eff. 8/1/2023; prior "shall take" language stricken; § 28-48-203 repealed), 28-48-206 (dispensing with bond — will direction or FDIC-insured fiduciary), 28-40-111 (publication of notice of appointment), 28-1-112 (publication method), 28-49-110 (PR-prepared inventory and appraisement). Verified 2026-05-31 via Justia 2024 Arkansas Code (law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-28/) and HB1448 bill text (arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=HB1448&ddBienniumSession=2023/2023R).Verified May 31, 2026 The process typically takes 6-9 months for simple estates and 9-12 months on average. The 6-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Arkansas executor checklist outlines each step.
Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Arkansas probate. Attorney fees are set by statute.Ark. Code § 28-48-108(d)(2) (6-tier statutory schedule on total market value of real + personal property; court may adjust if excessive or insufficient)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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.
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Arkansas Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Arkansas probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
