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Home→Tools→Executor Fee Calculator→Kentucky

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.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 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.

Kentucky requires executors to post a surety bond.KRS 395.130Verified 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 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.KRS 391.030 (small estate exemption); KRS 395.450 (jurisdiction); KRS 395.455 (transfer of assets without administration); KRS 395.130 (bond); KRS 395.150 (executor compensation; personal-estate base); KRS 396.011 (creditor claims, 6 months); KRS 424.340 (publication of notice)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 Kentucky executor checklist outlines each step.

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)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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

Executor Fees in Kentucky

Executor compensation in Kentucky is based on reasonable compensation, ranging from 2%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.Verified May 31, 2026 to 5%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.Verified May 31, 2026 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: YesKRS 395.130Verified May 31, 2026. The bond is waivable (YesKRS 395.130Verified May 31, 2026), often through a provision in the will. The typical bond premium is 0.5%KRS 395.130Verified May 31, 2026 of estate value annually. Bond costs are an additional probate expense beyond executor compensation.

Beyond executor compensation, Kentucky probate involves attorney fees (reasonable compensationReasonable compensation; no probate-specific attorney fee statute (SCR 3.130-1.5(a) general rule)Verified May 31, 2026), court filing fees, and publication costs. The executor is responsible for managing these expenses. See the executor checklist for a step-by-step guide to the Kentucky probate process.

Simple estates in Kentucky typically close in 6 monthsKRS 391.030 (small estate exemption)Verified May 31, 2026 to 12 monthsKRS 391.030 (small estate exemption)Verified May 31, 2026. Executor compensation is usually paid at the close of the estate, though interim fees may be requested for longer administrations.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 31, 2026

Legal Sources

  • KRS 391.030 (small estate exemption)
  • KRS 395.130
  • 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.
  • Reasonable compensation; no probate-specific attorney fee statute (SCR 3.130-1.5(a) general rule)

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

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Kentucky Estate Planning Resources

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

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

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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.

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