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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maine allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court.18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 7, 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 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.18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable fees), § 3-603 (bond), § 3-801 (notice to creditors; 4 months from first publication), § 3-803 (creditor claim limitations; 9-month absolute bar from death), § 3-1201 (small estate affidavit; $40K base CPI-indexed), § 1-108 (CPI adjustment), § 1-602 (graduated probate filing fees: $40 to $1,200+); Maine Probate Courts COLA table at maineprobate.net (2026 § 3-1201 adjusted amount: $52,500); PL 2025 c. 76 (2025 amendment adding § 1-108 cross-reference to § 3-1201)Verified May 7, 2026 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 executor checklist outlines each step.
Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Maine probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation.18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage); § 3-720 (estate litigation expenses)Verified May 7, 2026 Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries.
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. The total typically ranges from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. Use the Maine probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.
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Maine Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Maine probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
