Rhode Island Co-Executors: How Is the Fee Split?

There's no formula here either — just the same "just compensation" question, reviewed within the single account co-executors typically file together.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-14-8 FigureMyTax Editorial Team

Quick answer: No, Rhode Island co-executors don't automatically each collect their own full compensation with a combined total that grows by headcount. R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-14-8 contains no separate provision for multiple executors — the same "just compensation" standard governs, reviewed as a line item within the single account co-executors typically file together with the probate court. Estimate the underlying just range first with the Rhode Island executor fee calculator.

One account, one compensation line to review

§ 33-14-8: "Executors and administrators shall, also, be allowed in their accounts such compensation for their services as the probate court shall consider just." Because co-executors jointly administering an estate generally file a single account, the compensation the probate court reviews is typically one figure covering the joint administration, not separate figures multiplying by headcount.

The court weighs what's just given who actually did the work

Because § 33-14-8's "just" standard has no percentage or factor list to apply mechanically, a probate court reviewing compensation for co-executors would naturally look at what each person actually contributed to the administration — consistent with how the same court would judge a sole executor's compensation as just or not.

The voluntary-administration no-fee rule applies the same way

§ 33-24-1(e): the hard no-fee rule for voluntary administrators on the small-estate track doesn't change based on how many people serve — if the estate qualifies for that procedure, no fee is allowed under it regardless of whether one person or several are named.

Real coordination costs, same as anywhere

Co-executors in Rhode Island share fiduciary duties, and disagreements about pace, priorities, or how to divide tasks can slow administration or invite disputes — a practical consideration independent of how compensation eventually gets reviewed.

Worked example

Two siblings serve as co-executors of a Rhode Island estate. One handles the bulk of the administrative work; the other contributes occasionally. A sole executor doing all the work might reasonably bill 40 hours at $40/hr, or $1,600.

Co-executorHoursRateCompensation
Sibling A (primary administrator)32 hrs$40/hr$1,280
Sibling B (occasional support)8 hrs$40/hr$320

Each figure reflects that person's own share of what the account, jointly filed, presents as just compensation for their own time, combining to roughly the same total a sole executor's full administration would have reasonably cost.

Facing probate in Rhode Island?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

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Rhode Island co-executors — frequently asked questions

Do Rhode Island co-executors each get their own just compensation?

§ 33-14-8 contains no separate provision for multiple executors; the same just-compensation standard applies, reviewed as a line item within the single account co-executors file together with the probate court.

Do co-executors in Rhode Island file separate accounts?

Typically no — co-executors jointly administer the estate and generally file a single account with the probate court, within which their combined compensation is reviewed and allowed.

Who decides how the Rhode Island executor fee is divided among co-executors?

The municipal probate court handling the estate, which reviews the compensation line within the account for what it considers just given each co-executor's actual contribution.

Does the small-estate no-fee rule change if there are multiple co-executors?

No — if the estate qualifies for the voluntary-administration track under § 33-24-1(e), no fee is allowed under it regardless of how many people serve.

Can Rhode Island co-executors receive unequal compensation?

Yes — because the just-compensation standard tracks actual work rather than a fixed formula, a co-executor who did most of the administration can reasonably receive more than one whose involvement was limited.

Estimate for general guidance only, not legal advice. Based on R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-14-8, § 33-24-1. Rhode Island has no statutory formula for dividing compensation among co-executors; the illustrative 32/8-hour split above is not a rule. Consult a Rhode Island probate attorney to resolve a specific dispute over compensation between co-executors.