What is the executor fee in Michigan?

Michigan allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court (MCL 700.3719 (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 Michigan?

An executor in Michigan 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 5-7 months for simple estates and 7-12 months on average (MCL 700.3982, 700.3983 (small estate; base $50K set by PA 1 of 2024, adjusted by 2023 COLA factor per MCL 700.1210; 2026 adjusted amounts: $53K affidavit/petition threshold per MCL 700.3983 and 700.3982(1)&(2); $264K real-property indebtedness deduction cap per MCL 700.3982(5) — confirmed via Michigan Treasury COLA notice dated 2026-01-30, Table B); MCL 700.3803 (4-mo creditor claims from publication; 3-yr if no publication); MCL 700.3801 (publication duty); MCR 5.208 (publication mechanics); MCL 700.3719 (PR reasonable compensation); MCL 700.3721 (attorney reasonable compensation); MCL 700.3603 (bond not required in informal probate by default); MCL 600.871 (inventory fee schedule — all tiers verified); MCL 600.880 (filing fee: $150 civil action; $25 for MCL 700.3982 petition); MCL 700.3302 (informal probate by the probate register); MCL 700.3704 (unsupervised administration); MCL 700.3501 (supervised admin). Verified 2026-07-14 against legislature.mi.gov and the Michigan Treasury EPIC cost-of-living-adjustment notice signed 2026-01-30 (Tables A and B).). The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.

How do executor fees compare to attorney fees in Michigan?

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Michigan probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation (MCL 700.3721 (court reviews reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage)). 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 Michigan?

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

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State

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.

Examples:

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

Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan 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 5-7 months for simple estates and 7-12 months on average. The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Michigan estate settlement plan outlines each step.

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

Total probate costs in Michigan 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 $26,017 — roughly 5% of estate value — depending on complexity. Use the Michigan probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

Executor Fees in Michigan

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

Michigan 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, Michigan 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 Michigan probate process.

Simple estates in Michigan typically close in 5 months to 7 months. Executor compensation is usually paid at the close of the estate, though interim fees may be requested for longer administrations.