How much can an executor charge in Utah?

Utah allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court (Utah Code § 75-3-718 (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 Utah?

An executor in Utah 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 (Utah Code § 75-1-110 (CPI cost-of-living adjustments), § 75-3-718 (compensation), § 75-3-1201 (small estate affidavit; amended 2025 Ch.123 eff. 5/7/2025), § 75-3-1203 (summary admin formula), § 75-3-801 (notice to creditors / 3-month claim bar), § 75-3-603 (bond), § 75-3-301 (informal probate), § 75-3-501 (unsupervised admin), § 75-3-705 (inventory), § 75-2-402 (homestead allowance — 2026 CPI: $33,700; base $22,500), § 75-2-403 (exempt property — 2026 CPI: $22,500; base $15,000), § 75-2-404 (family allowance — reasonable amount), § 75-2-405 (PR family-allowance determination cap — 2026 CPI: $40,500 lump-sum / $2,250 per month; base $27,000 / $2,250), § 78A-2-301(1)(a)+(1)(r) (filing + accounting fees); le.utah.gov; utcourts.gov/en/about/miscellaneous/legal-community/price.html (Estate CPI table); utcourts.gov/en/self-help/categories/probate; utcourts.gov Filing/Record Fees (eff. 7/1/2023); re-verified 2026-05-27 against le.utah.gov and utcourts.gov primary sources). The 3-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.

How do executor fees compare to attorney fees in Utah?

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Utah probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation (Utah Code § 75-3-718 (reasonable 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 Utah?

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

Utah 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 Utah 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 Utah 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 3-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Utah estate settlement plan outlines each step.

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

Total probate costs in Utah 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 $29,194 — roughly 6% of estate value — depending on complexity. Use the Utah probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

Executor Fees in Utah

Utah 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, Utah 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 Utah. The attorney fee type is reasonable compensation. Together, executor and attorney fees account for the largest share of probate expenses. The Utah estate settlement plan details each responsibility and the typical timeline.

The probate timeline in Utah 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.