Louisiana Executor Fee: How Much Is It?

Quick answer: Louisiana's default succession representative fee is 2.5% of the inventory value — but that default only kicks in after two other sources are checked and found silent. Estimate your figure first with the Louisiana executor fee calculator.

The three-tier hierarchy, in order

La. C.C.P. § 3351: "An executor shall be allowed as compensation for his services such reasonable amount as is provided in the testament in which he is appointed. An administrator for his services in administering a succession shall be allowed such reasonable amount as is provided by the agreement between the administrator and the surviving spouse, and all competent heirs or legatees of the deceased. In the absence of a provision in the testament or an agreement between the parties, the administrator or executor shall be allowed a sum equal to two and one-half percent of the amount of the inventory."

The will controls, for an executor. If the testament sets a specific amount or formula, that figure governs — whether it's more or less than 2.5%.
An heir agreement controls, for an administrator. If there's no will (or the will is silent), the administrator can reach a written agreement with the surviving spouse and every competent heir or legatee.
The 2.5% default applies only if neither exists. This is the figure most people mean when they ask "what's the Louisiana executor fee" — but it's a fallback, not a universal rule.

What "inventory" means

The inventory is the sworn descriptive list of the succession's property filed with the court — the formal accounting of assets that anchors the entire succession. The 2.5% commission is calculated against this figure.

Worked examples at the 2.5% default

Inventory value	2.5% default fee
$100,000	$2,500
$300,000	$7,500
$500,000	$12,500
$1,000,000	$25,000

Illustrative, at the 2.5% default. If the will or a heir agreement sets a different figure, that controls instead. The court may increase the 2.5% default on a showing that it's inadequate for the work involved.

When the court adjusts the amount

Increase: § 3351 lets the court increase compensation "upon a proper showing that the usual commission is inadequate" — typically for an unusually complex or time-consuming succession. Provisional or vacant successions: a provisional administrator, or the administrator of a vacant succession, is instead allowed "fair and reasonable compensation" set directly by the court, not the 2.5% default. Misconduct: a court can also reduce or deny compensation where the representative mismanaged the succession or took unauthorized payments.

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Louisiana executor fee — how much FAQ

What's the fastest way to know a Louisiana executor's fee?

Check the will first. If it sets a specific amount or formula for the executor, that figure controls. If the will is silent, and the succession has an administrator rather than an executor, check for a written agreement with the surviving spouse and all competent heirs or legatees. Only if neither exists does the 2.5% default of the inventory value apply.

What counts as the inventory for the 2.5% calculation?

The inventory is the sworn descriptive list of the succession's property that the representative files with the court — generally the gross value of estate assets as of the date of death, before deducting debts, though practitioners commonly describe the practical figure as closer to the net estate value once debts are accounted for.

Can the 2.5% commission be increased for a complex Louisiana succession?

Yes. Article 3351 lets the court increase the compensation above 2.5% on a proper showing that the usual commission is inadequate for the work, time, and responsibility actually involved.

Does a provisional administrator get the same 2.5% in Louisiana?

No. A provisional administrator, or the administrator of a vacant succession, is instead allowed fair and reasonable compensation set directly by the court — a separate standard from the 2.5% default that applies to an ordinary executor or administrator.

Estimate for general guidance only, not legal advice. Based on La. C.C.P. § 3351. The 2.5% figure is a default that applies only when the will is silent and no qualifying heir agreement exists; the court may increase it on a proper showing of inadequacy. Consult a Louisiana succession attorney to confirm what applies to a specific estate.