What is the executor fee in Maine?

Maine allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court (18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (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 does an executor do in Maine?

An executor in Maine 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 6-12 months on average (18-C M.R.S. § 3-721 (court review of reasonableness of attorney/PR compensation), § 3-720 (attorney fees in estate litigation), § 3-719 (PR reasonable compensation), § 3-603 (bond), § 3-704 (PR proceeds without court order), §§ 3-301/3-302 (informal probate before the register), § 3-801 (notice to creditors; 4 months from first publication), § 3-803 (limitations on presentation of claims; earlier of 9 months after death), § 3-706/§ 3-707 (PR self-values inventory; appraiser permissive), § 3-1201 (small estate affidavit; $40K base adjusted per § 1-108), § 1-108 (CPI adjustment), § 1-602(2) (graduated probate filing fees: $40 to $1,200+); Maine Probate Courts "Cost-of-Living Adjustment Calculations under § 1-108 (2020 - 2026)" (§ 3-1201 year-of-death table); PL 2025 c. 76 (added § 1-108 cross-reference and the § 3-1201(3) annual-publication duty)). The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.

How do executor fees compare to attorney fees in Maine?

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Maine probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation (18-C M.R.S. § 3-721 (court review of the reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage); § 3-720 (reasonable attorney fees in estate litigation)). 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 Maine?

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

Maine 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 Maine 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 Maine 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 6-12 months on average. The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Maine estate settlement plan outlines each step.

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

Total probate costs in Maine 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 $27,778 — roughly 6% of estate value — depending on complexity. Use the Maine probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

Executor Fees in Maine

Executor compensation in Maine 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 Maine probate calculator to see how executor fees fit into total probate costs.

Maine 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, Maine 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 Maine probate process.

Simple estates in Maine typically close in 4 months to 6 months. Executor compensation is usually paid at the close of the estate, though interim fees may be requested for longer administrations.