How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Maryland?
Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. Fees vary by state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maryland sets executor compensation by statute.Md. Est. & Trusts § 7-601Verified May 14, 2026 The fee schedule is based on the gross value of the estate. Executors and beneficiaries may agree to a different amount, but the statutory schedule provides the default.
Yes. Executors in Maryland 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.
Maryland requires executors to post a surety bond.Md. Est. & Trusts § 6-102Verified May 14, 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 Maryland is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries.Md. Est. & Trusts § 5-601 (small estate threshold), § 5-602 (small estate procedure), § 5-603 (small estate creditor bar: earlier of 6 months from death or 30 days from notice), § 6-102 (bond), § 7-601 (PR commission ceiling: 9% on first $20K + 3.6% on excess), § 7-602 (attorney reasonable comp), § 7-103 (publication), § 8-103 (regular estate creditor bar); § 2-206 (Register of Wills probate fee schedule); registers.maryland.govVerified May 14, 2026 The process typically takes 6-9 months for simple estates and 9-12 months on average. The 6-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Maryland executor checklist outlines each step.
Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Maryland probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation.Md. Est. & Trusts § 7-602 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 14, 2026 Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries.
Total probate costs in Maryland 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 Maryland probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.
The Maryland statutory schedule for executor compensation is: 9% on the first $20K, 3.6% on amounts above $20K.Md. Est. & Trusts § 7-601Verified May 14, 2026 The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate. Extraordinary services may warrant additional compensation as approved by the court.
Your kids shouldn't have to do this.
Maryland Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Maryland probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
