What is the executor fee in Vermont?

Vermont allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court (14 V.S.A. § 1065 (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 does an executor do in Vermont?

An executor in Vermont 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 6-9 months for simple estates and 9-15 months on average (14 V.S.A. § 1901 (small estate), § 1201 (notice to creditors), §§ 1202-1203 (limitations/creditor claims), § 1065 (fees), § 906 (bond), §§ 2101-2110 (probate bonds, Ch. 101), §§ 1851-1854 (waiver of administration, Ch. 80); 32 V.S.A. § 1434(a)(1)-(8) (formal estate filing fees) and § 1434(a)(30) (small estate $50 fee); V.R.P.P. 80.3 (small estate procedure); re-verified 2026-07-14 against legislature.vermont.gov and vermontjudiciary.org). The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.

How do executor fees compare to attorney fees in Vermont?

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Vermont probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation (14 V.S.A. § 1065 (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 Vermont?

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

Vermont 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 Vermont 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.

Vermont requires executors to post a surety bond. The bond is generally required regardless of will provisions. 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 Vermont 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 6-9 months for simple estates and 9-15 months on average. The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Vermont estate settlement plan outlines each step.

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

Total probate costs in Vermont 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 $28,536 — roughly 6% of estate value — depending on complexity. Use the Vermont probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

Executor Fees in Vermont

Executor compensation in Vermont is based on reasonable compensation, ranging from 2% to 4% of estate value. Unlike statutory-fee states, executors and beneficiaries have flexibility to negotiate. Use the Vermont probate calculator to see how executor fees fit into total probate costs.

Vermont bond requirement: Yes. The bond is generally required regardless of will provisions. The typical bond premium is 0.5% of estate value annually. Bond costs are an additional probate expense beyond executor compensation.

Beyond executor compensation, Vermont probate involves attorney fees (reasonable compensation), court filing fees, and publication costs. The executor is responsible for managing these expenses. See the estate settlement plan for a step-by-step guide to the Vermont probate process.

Simple estates in Vermont typically close in 6 months to 9 months. Executor compensation is usually paid at the close of the estate, though interim fees may be requested for longer administrations.