How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in New York?
New York sets executor compensation by statute — about $19,000 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 3.8%SCPA § 2307Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
New York sets executor compensation by statute — about $19,000 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 3.8%SCPA § 2307Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate; executors and beneficiaries may agree to a different amount, but the schedule is the default. Executors can waive the fee entirely or accept a reduced amount.
The New York statutory schedule for executor compensation is 5% on the first $100K, 4% on the next $200K, 3% on the next $700K, 2.5% on the next $4M, 2% on amounts above $5MSCPA § 2307Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate, and extraordinary services may warrant additional compensation as the court approves.
On estates under $100,000, co-executors divide one full commission. From $100,000 to under $300,000, each executor is entitled to a full commission, with the estate bearing at most 2 full commissions in total. At $300,000 or more, each executor is entitled to a full commission, with the estate bearing at most 3 full commissions in total. For estates of decedents dying after August 31, 1993, no more than 2 commissions are allowed when more than 2 executors serve, unless the will expressly provides otherwise. Executors may agree in writing to a different division, but no single executor may receive more than one full commission.N.Y. SCPA §§ 2307(5), 2313Verified Sep 8, 2026View source
New York requires a bond of the personal representative by defaultSCPA §§ 710, 801, 805Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The requirement can often be excusedSCPA §§ 710, 801, 805Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, by a waiver in the will, agreement of the heirs, or court order, depending on the state. If the court requires a corporate surety, the premium runs about 0.5%SCPA §§ 710, 801, 805Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the bonded amount annually; most estates avoid it through a waiver or a surety-free bond. The bond protects beneficiaries against executor misconduct or mismanagement.
Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in New York probate: attorney fees of typically 2.5%SCPA § 2110 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 4%SCPA § 2110 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate, and executor compensation is set separatelySCPA § 2307Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Both are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. Estimate the attorney fee with the New York probate attorney fee calculator.
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Forms for Settling an Estate in New York
Free forms for settling an estate in New York: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Petition for Probate and Letters
In New York, the petition asks the Surrogate's Court to appoint the personal representative, whose authority is proved by Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; every appointment goes through the courtSCPA § 1408 (court must inquire into all facts before admitting a will to probate)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Renunciation of Executor
In New York, a person named as executor may renounce the right to serveSCPA § 1417(1), (4)Verified Sep 22, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Small Estate Affidavit
In New York, the Voluntary AdministrationSCPA § 1301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates with personal property of $50,000SCPA § 1301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, filed with the court.
Estate Inventory
In New York, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 270 days22 NYCRR 207.20Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In New York, the personal representative is discharged by court orderSCPA § 2203(4); § 2211(1); § 2215(1)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required unless it is waived.
Tools for Settling an Estate in New York
Free tools for settling an estate in New York: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
Can I Self-File Probate?
In New York, informal probate is not availableSCPA § 1408 (court must inquire into all facts before admitting a will to probate)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, so self-filing means a formal court petition rather than a registrar filing.
How Do I Get Appointed as Executor?
In New York, the Surrogate's Court appoints the personal representative and the Surrogate's Court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; every appointment goes through the courtSCPA § 1408 (court must inquire into all facts before admitting a will to probate)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In New York, the 7 monthsSCPA § 1802Verified Sep 8, 2026View source period after the personal representative's appointment protects a representative who distributes after it; late claims can still reach undistributed assets.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, New York pays the claims in 6N.Y. SCPA § 1811Verified Oct 19, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with administration expenses.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in New York costs an estimated $35,992SCPA § 2110 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees run 2.5%SCPA § 2110 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 4%SCPA § 2110 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate under a reasonable-compensation standard.
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Browse 195 probate firms in New York with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
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New York Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering New York probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.