No, they do not approve executor fees. The probate court will do that and in most cases it is limited by law.
Executors have a big responsibility and do a lot of work behind the scenes that the beneficiaries don't generally realize. Executor's fees are set by statute for that reason. Greedy or angry beneficiaries wouldn't pay them if they weren't required to.
Yes they do have to be approved. In most states there are standard fees and charges established. If the charges are within the guidelines, the court will normally approve without challenge.
They may pay their fees on a regular basis. The costs must be reasonable and adhere to the probate law of the jurisdiction.
This is a general answer. It is rather a guideline or example of how you can determine fees for an executor. An executor is entitled to compensation. the beneficiaries are entitled to review and approve or disapprove of the level of compensation. If the beneficiaries do not agree with the level of compensation, a court must set it. The amount of the executor's compensation may be adjusted up or down based upon a number of factors. these factors include: a. The total value of the estate; b. the complexity of the estate; c. The time spent by the executor in the discharge of their duties; d. the skill displayed by the executor in the administration of the estate; e. The degree of care exercised by the executor; f. The results of the administration and any investments made by the executor. There used to be a rule, which prohibited an executor from "pre-taking" compensation before it had been approved the the beneficiaries or fixed, by the court. This rule has been modified by recent court decisions. As a result, an executor is entitled to "pre-take" compensation beforfe it has been approved by the beneficiaries or by the court. It is generally prudent to obtain beneficiary or court approval before taking the compensation. In the event that compensation is pre-taken, if it is ultimately determined by a court to have been excessive, the executor will be required to pay the excessive amount together with interest. The preparation of accounts, income tax returns, management of investments, and other estate administration are the duty of the trustee. In appropriate cases, these functions can be delegated to qualified expers (accountants, lawyers, property managers, etc.) and the cost of such experts will be paid in addition to the executor's compensation.
The executor's fees in Florida may vary. However, generally the executor's fees in Florida are around 1.5-3% depending on the amount of money.
Most states have executor fees of 2-5%. Connecticut law does not state these fees, and only states what is reasonable compensation.
What are executor fees in the state of Colorado?
The Executor is entitled to 7% of the first $1000 in probate assets. Then that goes down to 2% for all probate assets over $50,000. The Executor is also entitled to 1% of all the non-probate assets. Although, as always, there can be variants to that based on the circumstances.
I am assuming this question relates to a situation where the executor has already been appointed and the beneficiaries are unhappy with the administration. You can file a lawsuit in the probate court demanding the removal of an executor, however you will have to prove that the executor is acting unlawfully to the detriment of the estate or otherwise not fulfilling his/her duties. Mere animosity between an executor and beneficiaries without proof of some substantial wrongdoing will not serve as grounds for the court to order a removal. These lawsuits should not be filed unless there is serious wrongdoing because with legal fees for both sides a lot of the estate can be spent in the litigation. Besides, courts offer beneficiaries other remedies for problems, such as forcing an executor to make an accounting. Most Courts consider removal of executors a drastic measure.
2%
Executor fees are set by law. The family does not have to sign off on them.
Fees received by an executor are not classified as inheritance and therefore are not subject to an inheritance tax, but they are classified as income, and are subject to income tax.