Executor Guide

How much does an executor get paid in the UK?

Being named as an executor is a significant responsibility. One of the most common questions executors have is whether they can be paid for their time. This guide explains the rules around executor fees and expenses in England and Wales.

The short answer

In England and Wales, executors who are family members or friends are not entitled to payment for their time. They serve voluntarily. However, they are entitled to be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred in administering the estate.

Professional executors (such as solicitors, accountants, or banks) can charge fees for their services, but only if the will contains a charging clause or all beneficiaries agree to the fees. Without authorisation, even professional executors cannot charge.

Key distinction

There is an important difference between executor fees (payment for time and services) and executor expenses (reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs). Family executors can always claim expenses but usually cannot charge fees. Professional executors can charge fees if authorised.

Family and friend executors

Most executors in England and Wales are family members or close friends named in the will. The law treats the role of executor as a voluntary duty, which means there is no automatic right to payment.

There are limited exceptions. If the will includes a specific charging clause that allows the executor to charge for their time, they can do so in accordance with the terms set out. Alternatively, if all adult beneficiaries agree in writing that the executor should receive payment, the executor can be compensated from the estate.

Even without payment for their time, family executors are entitled to claim back all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. These are paid from the estate and reduce the amount available for distribution to beneficiaries.

Expenses a family executor can claim

✓Probate application fee (273 pounds plus copies)
✓Travel costs (mileage to and from the property, banks, solicitors)
✓Postage and telephone costs
✓Professional valuations (property, jewellery, antiques)
✓Property insurance premiums while the estate is being administered
✓Property maintenance and repair costs (essential repairs only)
✓House clearance costs
✓Storage costs for estate contents
✓Advertising for creditors in The London Gazette
✓Certified copies of the death certificate

Professional executor fees

When a solicitor, bank, or accountant is named as an executor, they will typically charge for their services. The fee structure varies but usually falls into one of three categories:

Percentage of estate value

Some professionals charge a percentage of the gross or net estate value, typically between 1% and 5% plus VAT. For a 500,000 pound estate, this could mean fees of 5,000 to 25,000 pounds plus VAT. This method is common with banks and some high street solicitors.

Hourly rate

Many solicitors charge by the hour, with rates typically between 200 and 400 pounds per hour plus VAT. The total cost depends on how long the administration takes. A straightforward estate might require 10 to 20 hours of work, while a complex estate could require significantly more.

Fixed fee

Some firms offer fixed fee packages for straightforward estates. These can range from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds plus VAT for a simple estate with no property, to 5,000 to 10,000 pounds or more for estates with property. Fixed fees provide certainty but may not cover unexpected complications.

How to reduce estate administration costs

There are several ways to keep the costs of estate administration manageable:

Act as executor yourself

If you are named as executor and the estate is relatively straightforward, you can handle much of the administration yourself. The probate application can be made online, and many tasks (gathering assets, paying debts, distributing the estate) do not require professional help. You can still instruct a solicitor for specific tasks, such as the property conveyancing.

Get multiple quotes

If you do need professional help, get quotes from at least three solicitors. Ask for a clear breakdown of their fees, what is included, and what might be charged extra. Some firms offer a free initial consultation where they will estimate the total cost based on the estate's complexity.

Sell the property quickly

Ongoing property costs (insurance, council tax, maintenance, heating) can add up quickly. Selling the property promptly reduces these ongoing expenses. A cash buyer like HouseBought4Cash can complete in as little as 7 days, helping you minimise the costs of holding an empty property.

Keep detailed records

If you are paying a solicitor by the hour, being organised saves time and money. Gather all relevant documents before your first meeting, keep a clear record of all estate assets and debts, and respond promptly to requests for information. The more prepared you are, the less time (and money) the solicitor needs to spend.

We Understand This Is a Difficult Time

Need to sell an inherited property?

Get a fair cash offer for your inherited house within 24 hours. No obligations, no estate agents, no chain. We buy probate properties in any condition.

Cash offer in 24 hours

We buy before or after probate

Any condition - no repairs needed

Free inherited property valuation. No obligation. No catches.

Frequently asked questions about executor fees

Common questions about executor payment and expenses in the UK.

In England and Wales, executors who are family members or friends do not automatically get paid for their time. They serve on a voluntary basis. However, they are entitled to be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses they incur while administering the estate. Professional executors (such as solicitors or banks) typically charge fees, which should be set out in the will or agreed in advance.

A family member acting as executor cannot normally charge for their time unless the will specifically includes a charging clause that authorises them to do so. Without a charging clause, the executor is expected to carry out their duties without payment. However, they can claim back all reasonable expenses incurred in the course of administering the estate, such as travel costs, postage, phone calls, and valuations.

Solicitor executor fees vary considerably. Some charge a percentage of the estate value (typically 1% to 5% plus VAT), while others charge hourly rates (usually 200 to 400 pounds per hour plus VAT). Some firms offer fixed fee packages for straightforward estates. It is always worth asking for a clear fee estimate upfront and comparing quotes from different firms. The fees are paid from the estate, not by the beneficiaries personally.

Executors can claim all reasonable expenses incurred in administering the estate. Common expenses include: travel costs for visits to the property, banks, and solicitors; postage and telephone costs; probate application fees (currently 273 pounds plus 1.50 per copy); property insurance and maintenance costs; professional valuations; storage costs; and house clearance fees. All expenses should be properly documented with receipts.

If beneficiaries believe a professional executor is charging unreasonable fees, they can challenge the costs. For solicitor executors, complaints can be made to the Legal Ombudsman. In serious cases, beneficiaries can apply to the court to have an executor removed under Section 50 of the Administration of Justice Act 1985. However, removing an executor is a significant step and requires evidence of misconduct or incompetence, not merely disagreement over fees.

An executor who is also a beneficiary cannot be paid for their time as executor unless the will includes a charging clause. However, they will receive their inheritance as a beneficiary in the normal way. Their role as executor is separate from their entitlement as a beneficiary. They must administer the estate fairly and in the best interests of all beneficiaries, not just themselves.

The current probate application fee in England and Wales is 273 pounds, regardless of the size of the estate. Additional sealed copies of the grant cost 1.50 pounds each (it is advisable to order several). These fees are paid from the estate. If the estate is valued at 5,000 pounds or less, no probate fee is charged.

An executor has the authority to sell estate assets, including property, to pay the debts and expenses of the estate. Executor expenses and professional fees are legitimate estate debts. However, the executor should only sell assets when necessary and must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. If selling the property is the most practical way to fund the estate administration, it is within the executor's authority to do so.