How is an executor compensated?

How is an executor compensated?

In California, an executor is compensated by a calculation of a statutory commission based upon the value of the estate. That compensation is an amount to which the executor is absolutely entitled so long as he or she, discharges the duties of executor properly, but the payment can only be made after a court approves the payment. Therefore, as a rule, the executor will get paid at the end of the settlement process. Other states have different approaches, including either a non-court-approved statutory type of compensation formula, or even no formula at all, where the executor can simply charge a reasonable fee. That may be a preferable compensation, depends upon your perspective.