What is the executor fee in Kansas?

Kansas allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court (K.S.A. 59-1717 (fiduciary compensation "just and reasonable"; 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.

Is a surety bond required for executors in Kansas?

Kansas requires executors to post a surety bond (K.S.A. 59-1101 (bond required, amount not less than 125% of personal property plus probable annual income from real estate); K.S.A. 59-1104 (bond waiver grounds)). 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.

What does an executor do in Kansas?

An executor in Kansas 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 6-9 months for simple estates and 9-15 months on average (K.S.A. 59-1507b (small estate affidavit); K.S.A. 59-2250 (determination of descent); K.S.A. 59-2239 (creditor claims); K.S.A. 59-2236 / 59-2209 (notice to creditors; publication); K.S.A. 59-3201 through 59-3206 (Kansas Simplified Estates Act); K.S.A. 59-3301 through 59-3306 (Kansas Informal Administration Act); K.S.A. 59-1201 (inventory); K.S.A. 59-1101 (bond); K.S.A. 59-1104 (bond waiver); K.S.A. 59-1717 (fiduciary and attorney fees)). The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.

How do executor fees compare to attorney fees in Kansas?

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Kansas probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation (K.S.A. 59-1717 (fiduciary and attorney compensation "just and reasonable"; no statutory percentage)). 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 Kansas?

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

Actually settling up? Log your fee against every transaction.

State

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas 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 Kansas 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.

Kansas 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 Kansas 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 6-9 months for simple estates and 9-15 months on average. The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Kansas estate settlement plan outlines each step.

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Kansas 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 Kansas probate attorney fee calculator.

Total probate costs in Kansas 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 $29,187 — roughly 6% of estate value — depending on complexity. Use the Kansas probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

Executor Fees in Kansas

Executor compensation in Kansas is based on reasonable compensation, ranging from 2% to 4% of estate value. Unlike statutory-fee states, executors and beneficiaries have flexibility to negotiate. Use the Kansas probate calculator to see how executor fees fit into total probate costs.

Kansas bond requirement: Yes. The bond is waivable (Yes), often through a provision in the will. The typical bond premium is 0.5% of estate value annually. Bond costs are an additional probate expense beyond executor compensation.

Beyond executor compensation, Kansas probate involves attorney fees (reasonable compensation), court filing fees, and publication costs. The executor is responsible for managing these expenses. See the estate settlement plan for a step-by-step guide to the Kansas probate process.

Simple estates in Kansas typically close in 6 months to 9 months. Executor compensation is usually paid at the close of the estate, though interim fees may be requested for longer administrations.