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Home→Tools→Executor Fee Calculator→Massachusetts

How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Massachusetts?

Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. Fees vary by state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Massachusetts allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court.M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Apr 15, 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 Massachusetts 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.

Massachusetts requires executors to post a surety bond.M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-603Verified Apr 15, 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 Massachusetts is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries.M.G.L. c. 190B §§ 3-301, 3-306, 3-603, 3-706, 3-715, 3-719, 3-720, 3-803, 3-1201; M.G.L. c. 262 § 40 (verified on malegislature.gov, April 2026); Mass. estate tax per Ch. 50 of the Acts of 2023 (mass.gov)Verified Apr 15, 2026 The process typically takes 6-9 months for simple estates and 9-14 months on average. The 12-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Massachusetts executor checklist outlines each step.

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Massachusetts probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation.No specific statute for general probate attorney fees; reasonable compensation subject to court review. M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-720 covers litigation expense reimbursement only.Verified Apr 15, 2026 Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries.

Total probate costs in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

Executor Fees in Massachusetts

Executor compensation in Massachusetts is based on reasonable compensation, ranging from 2%M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Apr 15, 2026 to 4%M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Apr 15, 2026 of estate value. Unlike statutory-fee states, executors and beneficiaries have flexibility to negotiate. Use the Massachusetts probate calculator to see how executor fees fit into total probate costs.

Massachusetts bond requirement: YesM.G.L. c. 190B § 3-603Verified Apr 15, 2026. The bond is waivable (YesM.G.L. c. 190B § 3-603Verified Apr 15, 2026), often through a provision in the will. The typical bond premium is 0.5%M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-603Verified Apr 15, 2026 of estate value annually. Bond costs are an additional probate expense beyond executor compensation.

Beyond executor compensation, Massachusetts probate involves attorney fees (reasonable compensationNo specific statute for general probate attorney fees; reasonable compensation subject to court review. M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-720 covers litigation expense reimbursement only.Verified Apr 15, 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 Massachusetts probate process.

Simple estates in Massachusetts typically close in 6 monthsM.G.L. c. 190B §§ 3-301, 3-306, 3-603, 3-706, 3-715, 3-719, 3-720, 3-803, 3-1201Verified Apr 15, 2026 to 9 monthsM.G.L. c. 190B §§ 3-301, 3-306, 3-603, 3-706, 3-715, 3-719, 3-720, 3-803, 3-1201Verified Apr 15, 2026. Executor compensation is usually paid at the close of the estate, though interim fees may be requested for longer administrations.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated April 15, 2026

Legal Sources

  • M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-603
  • M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
  • M.G.L. c. 190B §§ 3-301, 3-306, 3-603, 3-706, 3-715, 3-719, 3-720, 3-803, 3-1201
  • No specific statute for general probate attorney fees; reasonable compensation subject to court review. M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-720 covers litigation expense reimbursement only.

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

Massachusetts Estate Planning Resources

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

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