The fee is set by state law.
Certainly. Cost associated with the estate, including fees for maintaining IRAs and the executor's fees are charged against the estate and recorded. There is no requirement to wait until everything is finished to collect the fee.
Taxable gross income includes professional fees paid to you.
The estate is a single entity. There are no 'parts' to an estate, the bill is paid from the assets.
The decedent's debts, the costs of administration and the executor's fee must be paid by the estate prior to the distribution of any assets.
The executor's fee is based on the value of the estate. Money owed is not a part of the estate, it is a claim against the estate.
An executor of a will may be paid for work done on the estate if the will states they are to be paid. Most states will allow expenses to be paid within reason to the executor, but they must show proof.
It will depend on the estate. The executor is entitled to their fee by law, and that can take precedence over debtors.
The fee paid to the executor is considered taxable income.
paid a deposit to the franchisor
refund
refund
That depends on the laws of the state of probate. Some states allow attorneys fees as a reasonable fee for defending against the removal action. In a way, the fees were spent protecting the wishes of the decedent that you be the executrix. You might not be able to charge all of the fees to the estate, only a reasonable amount. So be sure not to overpay or the court might have you pay for any extravagant amounts.