How much can an executor charge in Montana?

Montana allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court (MCA § 72-3-631 (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 are the duties of an executor in Montana?

An executor in Montana 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 4-6 months for simple estates and 6-12 months on average (MCA § 72-3-1101 (small estate: probate estate ≤ $100K, 30-day wait, personal property collection only; amended Ch. 453, L. 2023), § 72-3-1103 (formula-based summary administration), § 72-3-631 (reasonable PR compensation), § 72-3-634 (court review of reasonableness of attorney/agent compensation; former § 72-3-633 repealed 2019), § 72-3-513 (bond), § 72-3-201 (informal probate), § 72-3-801 (publication; 4-month creditor claim from first publication), § 72-3-803 (nonclaim; 1-year outer bar), § 25-1-201(1)(m) ($70 base probate filing fee), § 25-1-202 ($20 additional filing fee), § 3-1-317 ($10 IT surcharge), § 72-3-607 (inventory; optional appraiser). MCA 2025 via mca.legmt.gov; Montana Clerks of District Courts Fee Schedule via courts.mt.gov. Verified 2026-07-14.). The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.

How do executor fees compare to attorney fees in Montana?

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Montana probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation (MCA § 72-3-634 (court review of reasonableness of compensation of persons employed by the personal representative, including attorneys); § 72-3-632 (reasonable attorney fees in estate litigation); former § 72-3-633 repealed by Sec. 105, Ch. 313, L. 2019). 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 Montana?

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

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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.

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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

Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana 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 4-6 months for simple estates and 6-12 months on average. The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Montana estate settlement plan outlines each step.

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

Total probate costs in Montana 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 $26,409 — roughly 5% of estate value — depending on complexity. Use the Montana probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

Executor Fees in Montana

Montana uses a "reasonable compensation" standard for executor fees, typically 2% to 4% of the estate value. Courts consider estate complexity, time spent, and the executor's responsibilities when evaluating fees. The probate calculator provides a complete cost estimate.

In addition to executor fees, Montana may require a surety bond (No). Bond premiums run approximately 0.5% of the estate value per year. The requirement is waivable (Yes), which reduces overall costs.

Attorney fees are a separate probate cost in Montana. The attorney fee type is reasonable compensation. Together, executor and attorney fees account for the largest share of probate expenses. The Montana estate settlement plan details each responsibility and the typical timeline.

The probate timeline in Montana starts at 4 months for straightforward estates and can extend to 6 months or longer with complications. Executor fees are typically disbursed at final distribution.