Pennsylvania Executor Compensation and Fees

Pennsylvania executors bear personal fiduciary liability for missteps in probate administration. The statute authorizes 'reasonable compensation' — but the probate court is the gatekeeper.

Fee standards

Under 20 Pa.C.S. § 3537, the executor is entitled to reasonable compensation. Standard practice in most Pennsylvania counties is 3–5% of the gross probate estate, declining at higher asset levels.

Executor vs. attorney fees

When the executor is also the attorney, the court may reduce the combined fees to avoid double-counting for the same work. Probate courts review fee petitions item by item.

Waiver

Family executors often waive fees because the commission is taxable income to the executor but a non-deductible distribution to the estate.