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Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. Fees vary by state law.
Missouri sets executor compensation by statute.RSMo § 473.153(1) (statutory minimum: 5% first $5K, 4% next $20K, 3% next $75K, 2.75% next $300K, 2.5% next $600K, 2% over $1M; court may award more for extraordinary services). Schedule is computed on personal property administered plus proceeds of court-ordered real property sales; unsold real property is excluded from the base.Verified 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 Missouri 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.
Missouri requires executors to post a surety bond.RSMo §§ 473.157 (requirement), 473.160 (waiver by will)Verified 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 Missouri is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries.RSMo § 473.050 (will presentment), § 473.090 (refusal of letters), § 473.097 (small estate), § 473.153 (fees; § 473.153(1) base = personal property administered + court-ordered real property sale proceeds), § 473.157 (bond), § 473.160 (bond waiver), § 473.233 (inventory deadline), § 473.360 (creditor claims), § 473.780 (independent administration), § 483.530 (probate division court costs), § 488.012 (uniform court cost surcharges)Verified May 14, 2026 The process typically takes 6-12 months for simple estates and 12-18 months on average. The 6-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Missouri executor checklist outlines each step.
Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Missouri probate. Attorney fees are set by statute.RSMo § 473.153(3) (statutory minimum: 5% first $5K, 4% next $20K, 3% next $75K, 2.75% next $300K, 2.5% next $600K, 2% over $1M; court may award more for extraordinary services). Per § 473.153(1) the base is personal property administered plus proceeds of court-ordered real property sales; unsold real property is excluded.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 Missouri 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 Missouri probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.
The Missouri statutory schedule for executor compensation is: 5% on the first $5K, 4% on the next $20K, 3% on the next $75K, 2.8% on the next $300K, 2.5% on the next $600K, 2% on amounts above $1M.RSMo § 473.153(1) (statutory minimum: 5% first $5K, 4% next $20K, 3% next $75K, 2.75% next $300K, 2.5% next $600K, 2% over $1M; court may award more for extraordinary services). Schedule is computed on personal property administered plus proceeds of court-ordered real property sales; unsold real property is excluded from the base.Verified 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.
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