Many people wonder, "Should I take an executor's fee?" They might feel uncomfortable accepting payment for helping out family members during a tough time. And there's nothing wrong with serving as an executor without pay.

Should executor of will be family member?

Only children or family members can serve as executors.

Not only are you not required to appoint your child or family member, it is often best not to appoint your child. The most common instance where appointing one of your children as executor is problematic arises when one of your children is living with you.

What is a fair executor fee?

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.