how much does an attorney in nc get paid to be the administrator of an estate?

by Colton O'Kon MD 10 min read

If the responsibilities of the attorney are limited to assisting the executor with the estate administration process, then the North Carolina statutory law provides that the attorney’s fees must be reasonable and not exceed 5% of the estate. Furthermore, the fees will offset the executor’s commission.

Unless the Will provides otherwise, under North Carolina law, Executors or Administrators may claim a commission of up to 5% of the Estate assets and receipts, as approved by the Clerk of Court. Trusts should provide specific guidance regarding compensation.

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How much can an executor’s attorney charge in North Carolina?

Feb 08, 2022 · Attorney fees for the administration of a North Carolina estate will vary from one estate to another and the capacity in which the attorney is working. If the responsibilities of the attorney are limited to assisting the executor with the estate administration process, then the North Carolina statutory law provides that the attorney’s fees must be reasonable and not …

How much does an estate administration lawyer charge?

During the probate process in North Carolina, the executor will be reimbursed for legitimate out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the probate process and the management and administration of the deceased’s estate. Unless the Will provides otherwise, under North Carolina law, Executors or Administrators may claim a commission of up to 5% of the Estate assets and receipts, as …

How much does a probate attorney charge per hour?

from cash or personal property or a combination of both, but does not include real estate. The allowance should be paid as a priority claim before any other claims against the estate are paid. The amount of the spousal allowance is $20,000 for a surviving spouse if the decedent died on or before December 31, 2013, and $30,000 for a surviving

Is South Carolina a reasonable compensation State for executor fees?

Jul 29, 2019 · In our survey, six in 10 readers said the estate paid attorneys an hourly rate. The most common rate (reported by 35% of readers) was between $300 and $400, although half of readers paid less than that.

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A Few Caveats To Being Paid as an Executor

It is important to understand that any such commission or compensation received is taxable income to you that you will be required to report on your personal tax return.

Losing a Loved One is Hard - We Can Help

The days and weeks after a loss are often fraught with grief, questions, and unfortunately, family complications. It’s a terrible time to try to think through a legal process clearly. It’s often a challenge just to know where to start. Maybe you’re not even sure what questions to ask and whom to ask.

Total Fees Charged by Estate Administration Lawyers

In our survey, more than a third of readers (34%) said that their lawyers received less than $2,500 in total for helping with estate administration. Total fees were between $2,500 and $5,000 for 20% of readers, while slightly more (23%) reported fees between $5,000 and $10,000.

How Lawyers Charge for Probate and Other Estate Administration Work

The total fees that estates paid for legal services were based on one of three types of fee arrangements charged by attorneys for probate and other estate administration work: hourly fees, flat fees, and fees based on a percentage of the estate’s value.

Free Consultation With Probate Lawyers

More than half (58%) of the probate attorneys in our national study reported that they offered free consultations. The typical time for these initial meetings was 30 minutes, though the overall average was higher (38 minutes).

How much should executor fees be in Arkansas?

Reasonable compensation for executor fees in Arkansas should not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the first $1,000, five percent (5%) of the next $4,000, and three percent (3%) of the rest.

How much does an executor charge in Georgia?

With lots of rules governing, the Georgia executor compensation can be boiled down to a general fee of 2.5%.

What is the maximum executor fee in Maryland?

Maryland executor fees, by law, should not exceed certain amounts. Reasonable compensation is not to exceed 9% if less than $20,000; and $1,800 plus 3.6% of the excess over $20,000. Executor Fees in Massachusetts. Massachusetts is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.

What is the amount of executor fees in Iowa?

Reasonable fees are not to exceed six percent (6%) for the first $1,000; four percent (4%) for the next $1,000-$5,000; and two percent (2%) for remaining amounts greater than $5,000. Kansas is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.

What is the executor fee in Alabama?

Even though executor compensation in Alabama is supposed to be reasonable compensation, Alabama executor fees should not exceed 2.5%. Executor Fees in Alaska. Alaska is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.

Is Alabama a reasonable compensation state for executor fees?

You should consult an estate attorney or the probate court for guidance. Executor Fees in Alabama. Alabama is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees. In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court.

Does Connecticut have executor fees?

Connecticut does not have a statute governing executor compensation, but case law seems to suggest that Connecticut executor fees fit within the reasonable compensation heading. In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court.

When won't an executor be paid?

When won’t an Executor be Paid? There is always a chance that an Executor will not be paid. This occurs if/when the decedent (the person who passed from this life) included a clause in their Last Will & Testament stating that the Executor “shall serve without compensation” or something similar to convey lack of payment for their services.

What is a personal representative in Pennsylvania?

The personal representative is generally entitled to be compensated for the services rendered in administering the estate of a decedent (the person who has passed from this life). Specifically, section 3537 of the Pennsylvania Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries (PEF) Code states the general rule that: “The Court shall allow such compensation to ...

Is executor fee subject to review?

However, this is not a hard or bright-line rule; but instead, merely the starting point of the discussion because all executor and administrative fees are subject to the review and approval of the Court.

What expenses does the executor of an estate have to pay out of her own pocket?

The executor is entitled to be reimbursed for any estate administrative expenses she might pay out of her own pocket. These might include expenses that had to be paid before the estate could be opened for probate, such as doctor and funeral bills.

What is a personal representative?

The personal representative is the individual who is charged with guiding an estate through the probate process, and it can sometimes be a complicated and time-consuming job. How much they receive and when they'll be paid can depend on several factors.

Who is Ebony Howard?

She attended Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh and received her J.D. in 1994. Ebony Howard is a certified public accountant and credentialed tax expert. She has been in the accounting, audit and tax profession for 13+ years.

Who is Julie Garber?

Julie Ann Garber is an estate planning and taxes expert. With over 25 years of experience as a lawyer and trust officer, Julie Ann has been quoted in The New York Times, the New York Post, Consumer Reports, Insurance News Net Magazine, and many other publications. She attended Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh and received her J.D. in 1994.

Can executor fees be paid without a judge's order?

In other states, the executor's fee can only be paid after a court hearing and with a judge's approval. 4  The requirement for a hearing might be waived, however, if all the beneficiaries are informed of the fees to be paid and they sign consents to authorize payment without a judge's order. 17 .

What happens if an estate does not have enough funds to pay all debts?

If the estate does not have sufficient funds to pay all debts, state laws specify the order of priority for debts. Read on to learn about this prioritized order to determine which debts should get paid first.

What happens to an estate when someone passes away?

When someone passes away, their estate's assets must be secured and distributed according to their will or state intestate laws. However, another important function of the estate is to pay the deceased's debts. If an estate has sufficient assets to pay all debts, the administrator can pay what is owed in any order.

What debts take priority over other debts?

Debts such as property taxes, income taxes, and estate taxes take priority over other obligations. Final medical bills. The medical costs for the deceased's final sickness or injury are given priority over other unsecured debts. All other claims.

What are allowable expenses for funerals?

Allowable expenses may be capped for funeral and burial costs by state law. In most cases, you can pay for costs related to cremation, interment, markers, urns, and costs associated with the funeral service . Government debts. Debts such as property taxes, income taxes, and estate taxes take priority over other obligations.

What is the order of priority for estate debt?

While laws vary slightly, many states use the following order of priority for estate debts. Administrative costs . The costs of administering the estate are given first priority. Common costs include court fees, the administrator's commission, filing fees, notice costs, and attorney's fees. Family exemptions.

What is priority for debt payment from an estate?

Priority for Debt Payment from an Estate. Each state has probate laws that direct how a person's final affairs are handled. Probate laws cover everything from opening a probate estate, appointing a person to administer the estate, identifying heirs, distributing property, and paying debts. In most cases, an estate has enough money ...

What debts become heirs' responsibility?

Also, some debts, such as loans on real estate and vehicles, typically become the heir's responsibility once they inherit the property. The most important step is to ensure you understand the state laws related to the priority of debts. Seeking experienced assistance may be necessary for large or complex estates.

What is the compensation for an executor of an estate in California?

The California Probate Code permits an executor to be paid a specific percentage of the total assets of the estate.

How is the percentage of an executor's estate determined?

The percentage to which an executor is entitled is dependent on the entire amount of assets in the estate. The value of the estate is determined by the inventory performed by the executor as part of his or her responsibilities.

What is the value of a house if it is valued at $700,000?

Because debts are excluded from the value of the estate, if a house is valued at $700,000, but has a mortgage of $350,000, the house still has a value of $700,000, which is used to calculate the executor’s compensation.

How much does an executor get in California?

Under California Probate Code, the executor typically receives 4% on the first $100,000, 3% on the next $100,000 and 2% on the next $800,000, says William Sweeney, a California-based probate attorney. For an estate worth $600,000 the fee works out at approximately $15,000. They usually take a year to settle, but can drag on for up to three years;

How long does it take to settle an estate of $600,000?

For an estate worth $600,000 the fee works out at approximately $15,000. They usually take a year to settle, but can drag on for up to three years; this has taken two years. It would have been helpful to everyone if your brother had been more up-front about the $20,000, how and why he came to that figure.

How many children did the widow of the deceased have?

It was paid in full, but a mortgage was opened a few months before she died to pay for home health care expenses, farm property, a time share and personal belongings There are four children and one was designated the estate executor. The bulk of the estate has been settled to everyone’s relief.

Does Bob's mother sell his timeshare?

Bob’s mother has attempted to sell the timeshare and even tried to donate it to her church. However, no one wanted it. You don’t want to be in the same boat (or condo, in this case). Your brother has managed your mother’s estate for two years and — given the time and stress involved in managing a person’s estate — particularly when family is ...

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