If they refuse to accept payment, the amount is then spread out amongst the other beneficiaries. If the court accepts the distributions, the estate can be closed.
Reasonable expenses can be charged to the estate. The executor can also receive payment.
The executor is entitled to compensation for their time and effort. The court will approve the payment at the going rate.
The executor does not have to be a beneficiary. The court can appoint any responsible person to serve in that capacity.
The executor can use the money for the benefit of the estate, not for their personal use. They are entitled to payment for their services.
The court appointed Executor of a will is entitled to payment or monetary compensation for taking on the task of performing the executor's duties. Generally, there is a statutory rate depending on where you are located. A death benefit that has no named beneficiary would be paid over to the estate. The Executor can pay herself the statutory rate out of the assets of the estate the same as payment of any debt, before any assets can be distributed to the heirs.Apart from statutory compensation that is reported to the court, the Executor is not permitted to simply take any assets and convert them to her own use.
The payment of the executor comes before the distribution. They have a claim against the estate and most courts allow them to collect even before debtors.
They charge the estate and take it out. The rate has to be approved by the court and documentation provided to show the effort expended by the executor. If there isn't a cash account, the bill can be added to those of the creditors and the assets shared as necessary.
First the will must be filed for probate and an executor must be appointed. After the payment of the debts of the estate the executor must make distribution of the remaining estate according to the provisions in the will and the state probate laws. The executor acts under the supervision of the court and must settle the estate with expediency.
There is no requirement for the executor to be a beneficiary. If it is a natural heir, it would seem to be a bad idea to make them distribute the estate and not get any of it. Or it may be that the payment for settling the estate is sufficient for them. It can be legally done, but you might want to think about it carefully.
If the executor is acting in bad faith, certainly an heir could sue him for that.
In Alabama, the executor of a will is entitled to compensation for their services. The compensation is typically set by the terms of the will or agreed upon by the executor and the beneficiaries. If the will does not specify compensation, Alabama law allows for a "reasonable fee" for the executor's services.
The executor receives a statutory percentage of the assets for performing their duties. They are paid before any bequests are paid. You would need to check your state probate code for the amount allowed in your state.