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Executor Compensation Laws in Washington

In Washington, when the will is silent or its provision is renounced, the personal representative receives compensation the court deems just and reasonable, with no percentage fee schedule.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Washington at a glance

Compensation method
Just and reasonable compensation
Compensation set in the will is full compensation unless renounced in writing before qualifying. The court may deny or reduce compensation if duties are not discharged.
Statutory fee schedule
None (no percentage in statute)
Percentage schedule in statute
No

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Washington

How is an executor paid in Washington?

Compensation method in Washington: Just and reasonable compensation. Compensation set in the will is full compensation unless renounced in writing before qualifying. The court may deny or reduce compensation if duties are not discharged.

What percentage can an executor charge in Washington?

Statutory fee schedule in Washington: None (no percentage in statute).

Does Washington law set executor fees by a percentage schedule?

No. Percentage schedule in statute in Washington: no.

Where do the Washington executor compensation laws come from?

The rules above come from Rev. Code Wash. 11.48.210. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

Good to know

Additional compensation may be allowed for services as attorney and other services not required of a personal representative.

The section was most recently amended in 2026 (Laws of 2026, chapter 204, section 7).

What this means in practice

A will can usually address executor pay directly, for example by setting a flat fee, a percentage, or stating that the executor serves without pay. Where the will is silent, the state's default rule applies. An executor can also choose to waive compensation, which some family members do because fees are generally taxable income while inheritances generally are not.

Executor compensation is separate from reimbursement of expenses and from fees paid to the estate's attorney, accountant, or other professionals. Keeping a written log of hours, tasks, and costs helps support a fee request and answers questions from heirs or the court.

Heirs and beneficiaries who believe a fee is too high can usually object in the probate proceeding, and courts can reduce, deny, or increase compensation in some circumstances. Rules on timing, court approval, and extraordinary services differ, so the statute for the state where the estate is probated is the starting point.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.