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Home→Tools→Executor Fee Calculator→North Dakota

How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in North Dakota?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

North Dakota allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court.N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-19 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 1, 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries.N.D.C.C. § 30.1-23-01 (small estate, as amended by HB 1224 69th Leg. Assem. 2025), § 30.1-23-03 (summary admin), § 30.1-18-19 (PR compensation), § 30.1-19-03 (creditor claims), § 30.1-17-03 (bond), § 30.1-18-06 (inventory deadline), § 30.1-07-01 (exempt property $15K), § 30.1-07-02 (family allowance $27K), § 47-18-01 (homestead $150K)Verified Jun 1, 2026 The process typically takes 4-6 months for simple estates and 6-12 months on average. The 3-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The North Dakota executor checklist outlines each step.

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in North Dakota probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation.N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-19 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage for attorneys)Verified Jun 1, 2026 Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries.

Total probate costs in North Dakota 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 North Dakota probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

Executor Fees in North Dakota

Executor compensation in North Dakota is based on reasonable compensation, ranging from 2%N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-19 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 1, 2026 to 4%N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-19 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 1, 2026 of estate value. Unlike statutory-fee states, executors and beneficiaries have flexibility to negotiate. Use the North Dakota probate calculator to see how executor fees fit into total probate costs.

North Dakota bond requirement: NoN.D.C.C. § 30.1-17-03Verified Jun 1, 2026. The bond is waivable (YesN.D.C.C. § 30.1-17-03Verified Jun 1, 2026), often through a provision in the will. The typical bond premium is 0.5%N.D.C.C. § 30.1-17-03Verified Jun 1, 2026 of estate value annually. Bond costs are an additional probate expense beyond executor compensation.

Beyond executor compensation, North Dakota probate involves attorney fees (reasonable compensationN.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-19 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage for attorneys)Verified Jun 1, 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 North Dakota probate process.

Simple estates in North Dakota typically close in 4 monthsN.D.C.C. § 30.1-23-01 (small estateVerified Jun 1, 2026 to 6 monthsN.D.C.C. § 30.1-23-01 (small estateVerified Jun 1, 2026. Executor compensation is usually paid at the close of the estate, though interim fees may be requested for longer administrations.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated June 1, 2026

Legal Sources

  • N.D.C.C. § 30.1-17-03
  • N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-19 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage for attorneys)
  • N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-19 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
  • N.D.C.C. § 30.1-23-01 (small estate

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

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North Dakota Estate Planning Resources

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

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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.

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