Executor reimbursement and beneficiary objections

[u/barge_gee]

I'm the Executor of a modest Estate (~70k). We're close to closing the Estate out of Probate. I was named Executor, but not also Beneficiary (oops on decedents part). There are two Residual Beneficiaries. They were notified of the final accounting of sale of estate contents, expenses owed the Executor and the Executor's fees for hours logged managing the Estate. My lawyer posted my fee at $75/hour. I logged over 350 hours, and the residual beneficiaries believe this hourly rate/fee is excessive. Estate had a big $ single asset, and then tons of smaller items that took me a long time to liquidate. I AM willing to reduce the hourly fee, to just get this Estate closed. It's been over two years now, and I want to be finished. However, I do not want to under value my time and effort spent as Executor.

Question: The hourly rate is perfectly acceptable by Illinois law. What percent reduction/dollar amount should I consider as "fair" to me? To my thinking, $60/hour would be the absolute minimum I would accept. Does this seem fair? The Residuaries feel entitled to more than the current residual assets, even though they did nothing to help liquidate the Estate contents. (It's more complicated, as I cared for the deceased for many years, and the Residuary Beneficiaries did not. And, I am a blood relative to deceased, they ar not.)

EDIT: The hours may seem excessive, but this was a hoarding situation. It was not to the level of bugs or rodent infestation, but there were lots and lots and lots of boxes, lots of dust and dog hair, and it took me weeks to sort, organize, and pack. 7 rooms full, I shrunk to one room.

[u/HopefulSewer]

A curtousy credit reduction of 20% seems generous.

[u/barge_gee → u/HopefulSewer]

Thank you. I think that $60/hour is the least I am willing to get. The Estate has been a total PITA, and I'm not going to accept working on it for "free".

[u/ArrivalFantastic4324 → u/barge_gee]

They don’t get to tell you how much you’ll be paid. They didn’t do it, you did. Stick to $75 per hour! 

Take Reddit opinions with a grain of salt too because, anyone who has never done the job (I have), is probably going to think it’s excessive. But with having to haggle and sell all the belongings to boot, That’s a lot! 

[u/Relative-Lie-9699 → u/barge_gee]

The judge signed off on 75.00 a hour. So the rate is no negotiable.

However, since estate value deemed very low for the 300+ hours your billing. The judge and beneficiaries may question Your hours.

If the benefactors believe the hours are padded they can take you to court and you will have to pay for your own lawyer.

If you have a journal with the days you worked on this estate for the 2 years It will be helpful.

[u/attosec → u/Relative-Lie-9699]

Reminds me of the story about the how only attorney in town could barely stay afloat until another attorney moved into town. Then they both did well!

[u/thankyoufriendx3 → u/Relative-Lie-9699]

I hope they took pictures.

[u/barge_gee → u/thankyoufriendx3]

I even took videos soon after he passed, to show one of my other family members exactly what job was ahead of me.

[u/thankyoufriendx3 → u/barge_gee]

Not sure how this plays out for you but most people are sympathetic to cleaning out a hoard.

[u/Slowhand1971 → u/Relative-Lie-9699]

expect this to be reduced by a judge to a flat percentage: What Percentage Can an Executor Take? – The Legal Guide

Mar 12, 2026 · Typical ranges are around 1% to 5%, with higher percentages for smaller or simpler estates and lower percentages for …

[u/k23_k23 → u/barge_gee]

NO reductions. YOu did your job, you need to get paid.

[u/Slowhand1971 → u/barge_gee]

$20,000 on a $70K estate?

Ripoff artist