What is the executor fee in Kentucky?

Kentucky allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court (KRS 395.150(1) (compensation may not exceed 5% of personal estate plus 5% of income; real property excluded from base); KRS 395.150(2) (court may allow additional compensation for unusual or extraordinary services). Calculator estimates effective compensation on the gross estate at 2–5%; the 5% statutory rate is not applied directly because real property is excluded from the statutory base.). 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.

What does an executor do in Kentucky?

An executor in Kentucky 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 6-12 months for simple estates and 12-18 months on average (KRS 391.030 (small estate exemption); KRS 395.450 (jurisdiction to dispense); KRS 395.455 (transfer of assets without administration); KRS 395.130 (bond — none required unless court orders, eff. 7-15-2026); KRS 395.150 (executor compensation; personal-estate base); KRS 395.015/395.016 (application and hearing for appointment); KRS 395.600/395.610 (court settlements and accountings); KRS 396.011 (creditor claims, 6 months); KRS 424.340 (clerk publication of fiduciary appointments)). The 6-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.

How do executor fees compare to attorney fees in Kentucky?

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Kentucky probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation (Reasonable compensation; no probate-specific attorney fee statute (SCR 3.130-1.5(a) general rule)). 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 Kentucky?

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

Kentucky 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 5% of estate value.

Yes. Executors in Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 6-12 months for simple estates and 12-18 months on average. The 6-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Kentucky estate settlement plan outlines each step.

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

Total probate costs in Kentucky 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 $27,283 — roughly 5% of estate value — depending on complexity. Use the Kentucky probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

Executor Fees in Kentucky

Executor compensation in Kentucky is based on reasonable compensation, ranging from 2% to 5% of estate value. Unlike statutory-fee states, executors and beneficiaries have flexibility to negotiate. Use the Kentucky probate calculator to see how executor fees fit into total probate costs.

Kentucky bond requirement: No. 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, Kentucky 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 Kentucky probate process.

Simple estates in Kentucky typically close in 6 months to 12 months. Executor compensation is usually paid at the close of the estate, though interim fees may be requested for longer administrations.