Does the personal representative or trustee get paid for services rendered?
Normally, personal representatives or trustees of an estate administration are entitled to be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses they may incur during the process of managing and distributing the decedent’s estate. Additionally, they may be entitled to statutory fees that may vary according to locale and size of the estate. The personal representative or trustee is expected to fulfill his or her fiduciary duties with the utmost integrity. Failure to do so may result in his or her liability for mismanagement of estate assets. It is advisable that the personal representative or trustee retain an attorney and an accountant to guide him or her through the somewhat daunting process of administering an estate. Fees for attorneys and accountants would be paid from the assets of the estate and not personally.
