⚡ Quick answer: Lay executors cannot charge for their time unless the Will says they can (a 'charging clause'). Professional executors typically charge 1–5% of the estate or hourly rates of £150–£400/hour. Always get a written quote.
Do Lay Executors Get Paid?
A lay executor is a family member, friend, or other non-professional appointed to manage the estate. The short answer: they are not automatically paid.
Under UK law, a lay executor can only charge fees if:
- The Will includes a 'charging clause' — express permission to charge
- They are a professional (solicitor, bank, or specialist executor service) — they can charge as part of their business
- The estate was very large and the beneficiaries agree they should be paid
In practice, most lay executors are not compensated for their time, though they can claim back all reasonable expenses.
What Expenses Can an Executor Claim Back?
Even if an executor cannot charge for their time, they can always claim reasonable out-of-pocket expenses from the estate. These include:
| Expense type | Example |
|---|---|
| Death certificates | £15–£40 per certified copy (you'll need 4–6) |
| Probate application fees | £155 (online) or £273 (paper) to HMCTS |
| Solicitor fees | Fixed fees, hourly rates, or percentage of estate |
| Accountant/tax fees | For final tax return and estate accounts |
| Property valuations | £500–£3,000+ depending on property value |
| Travel and postage | Rail fares, fuel, Royal Mail, DX delivery |
| Bank fees | Account closures, transfers, foreign exchange |
| Storage costs | Temporary storage for estate possessions |
| Insurance | Coverage during probate period |
All of these come from the estate before distributions to beneficiaries — so beneficiaries don't receive less money as a result.
Professional Executor Fees: How Much Do They Cost?
If you appoint a professional executor — a solicitor, bank, or specialist executor service — they will charge fees. This is standard business practice. Professional fees typically fall into three categories:
1. Percentage of Estate Value
Many professional executors charge 1–5% of the gross estate value. On a £500,000 estate:
| Percentage | Cost (£500k estate) |
|---|---|
| 1% | £5,000 |
| 2% | £10,000 |
| 3% | £15,000 |
| 5% | £25,000 |
Larger estates often qualify for lower percentages — some firms cap charges at 1–1.5% for estates over £1 million.
2. Hourly Rates
Solicitors and accountants often charge by the hour, typically:
- Assistant solicitor: £150–£250/hour
- Senior solicitor: £250–£400/hour
- Partner: £350–£500+/hour
For an average probate taking 100–150 hours at £200/hour, you're looking at £20,000–£30,000 in fees.
3. Fixed Fees
Some firms now offer fixed fees for straightforward estates, such as:
- Simple estate (no property, limited assets): £1,500–£3,000
- Average estate (one property, standard assets): £3,000–£7,000
- Complex estate (multiple properties, IHT, disputes): Quote only
Clear Legacy offers fixed probate support from just £195 for simple cases — much lower than traditional solicitor fees.
How to Include Executor Charging Rights in Your Will
If you want to allow an executor to charge fees, you need a 'charging clause' in your Will. A simple charging clause might read:
"I give my executors authority to charge and receive a reasonable sum for their professional services in administering my estate."
This is particularly useful if you appoint a solicitor as your executor, or a professional executor service. Without it, they might waive their charges — adding cost and delay to the estate.
Comparison: Lay Executor vs Professional Executor
| Factor | Lay Executor | Professional Executor |
|---|---|---|
| Fees for time | Only if Will permits | Standard (1–5% or hourly) |
| Expenses claimed | Yes, all reasonable costs | Yes, all reasonable costs |
| Experience | Often first-time | Hundreds of estates handled |
| Availability | Depends on family member | Dedicated to the role |
| Liability insurance | Personal liability risk | Professional indemnity covered |
| Speed | Variable (6–18 months) | Usually faster (9–12 months) |
| Conflict of interest | High (also often a beneficiary) | Independent and impartial |
Can You Negotiate Executor Fees?
Yes — always ask for a written quote in advance. Many professional executors will:
- Offer a discount for straightforward estates
- Waive certain fees if the Will is simple
- Bundle probate, accounting, and estate distribution into a package deal
- Match or beat competitors' quotes for large estates
Don't accept the first quote — shop around. The difference between a £5,000 and £25,000 fee can be substantial on the same estate.
Who Pays Executor Fees?
All executor fees and expenses are paid from the estate, not by beneficiaries personally. Here's the order of priority:
- Funeral expenses and debts
- Inheritance Tax (if any)
- Probate and legal fees
- Executor fees and expenses
- Distribution to beneficiaries (what's left)
This is important: beneficiaries don't lose money because of executor fees — the estate pays for them.
Need Help Managing the Estate?
Unsure about executor responsibilities or costs? Get professional probate support from Clear Legacy from just £195 for simple cases.
Get Probate Support →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge fees if I'm both executor and beneficiary?
Only if the Will includes a charging clause. Being a beneficiary doesn't automatically entitle you to fees — but it doesn't prevent them either, provided the charging clause is clear.
What if there are multiple executors — do they share the fee?
Yes, if multiple executors are appointed and a percentage fee is charged, they typically share it proportionally. Some professional firms charge per executor, so clarify this upfront.
Can I reclaim time spent discussing the estate with beneficiaries?
As a lay executor without a charging clause, no. Reasonable professional time (accountant, solicitor, valuator) can be claimed from the estate, but your own admin time cannot.
What if beneficiaries disagree with the executor's claimed expenses?
Beneficiaries can challenge executor expenses in court if they believe they're unreasonable. Estate accounts must itemise all expenses, and beneficiaries have the right to query them before signing off.