What does an executor of a will do?

An executor files the will with probate court, inventories assets, pays debts and taxes, manages the estate during probate, and distributes remaining assets to beneficiaries as directed by the will.

Can I decline to be an executor?

Yes. Being named as executor in someone's will doesn't obligate you to serve. You can decline (called 'renouncing') and the court will appoint the backup executor or an administrator.

Estate Planning8 min read • Updated Feb 2026

What Is an Executor of a Will?

Q: Can an executor be a beneficiary?

Yes. It's very common for an executor to also be a beneficiary. A spouse or adult child is often named as both. There's no legal conflict as long as the executor fulfills their fiduciary duty to all beneficiaries.

Q: Do executors get paid?

Yes. Most states allow executors to receive 'reasonable compensation,' typically 2-5% of the estate value. Family members serving as executors sometimes waive this fee, but they're entitled to it.

An executor is the person you name in your will to manage your estate after you die. They handle everything — from filing the will in court to distributing assets to your beneficiaries. It's one of the most important decisions in estate planning.

What Does an Executor Do?

1File the will with probate court
2Obtain death certificates (order 10-15 copies)
3Notify banks, insurers, creditors, and government agencies
4Inventory and appraise all assets
5Manage estate assets during probate
6Pay outstanding debts and final bills
7File the deceased's final income tax return
8File estate tax return if required
9Distribute assets to beneficiaries per the will
10File a final accounting with the court
11Close the estate

How to Choose the Right Executor

Your executor should be:

✓ Trustworthy & honest

✓ Organized & detail-oriented

✓ Willing to serve

✓ Geographically accessible

✓ Financially responsible

✓ Able to handle family dynamics

✓ Available (not too old/ill)

✓ Ideally has some financial literacy

Executor Compensation

State	Typical Fee
California	4% of first $100k + 3% of next $100k + 2% of next $800k
New York	5% of first $100k + 4% of next $200k + 3% of next $700k
Florida	3% of first $1M + 2.5% of next $4M
Texas	5% of estate (typical 'reasonable' amount)
Most other states	2-5% of estate value ('reasonable compensation')

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FAQ

Can an executor be a beneficiary?

Yes. A spouse or adult child often serves as both. No legal conflict.

Do executors get paid?

Most states allow 2-5% of estate value. Family members sometimes waive this.

Can I refuse to be an executor?

Yes. You can decline ('renounce') and the backup or court-appointed administrator takes over.

What if there's no executor named?

The court appoints an 'administrator' — usually the surviving spouse or adult child.

✍️ How to Write a Will 🏛️ What Is Probate?✅ Estate Planning Checklist 📖 Estate Planning Glossary

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