Expenses of Managing Estate

Who bears the cost of managing the estate?

The estate bears the costs, including that of the executor's fees, unless the court rules that another party should bear all or some of the costs.

Where do the costs of managing the estate rank in relation to other costs?

After the funeral and burial costs, together with the costs of probate or the inheritance order.

Is the executor of the estate entitled to fees for work relating to probate or the inheritance order, in addition to fees as executor of the estate?

Yes, fees for these are separate and additional to work for his services re management of the estate.

Who pays for the costs of a legal battle between the executor of the estate and the heirs?

The estate , even when the executor's plea against an heir is rejected.

Can the executor get additional fees for the preparation and filing of an application to court for instructions about managing the estate?

No – this is an integral part of his work in managing the estate and no separate/additional fee can be given for this.

Does an heir have to pay estate expenses from his private purse?

No! Expenses relating to the estate are to be paid out of estate property only.

Are debts and losses caused to an heir of a portion of the estate, to be borne by the other heirs?

No! The heir to the portion has to pay these – and they are not a debt on the estate.