The personal representative tasked with distributing and managing a deceased person’s estate is entitled to be paid for services rendered. Fees claimed by the personal representative can be challenged by the estate beneficiaries. If the parties are unable to come to an agreement, a Court application will be necessary. In today’s post, we will examine how the Court determines fair and reasonable executor’s remuneration.
What does “personal representative” mean in BC estate law?
First, a note on terminology. In BC, the term “personal representative” can refer to an Administrator or an Executor:
For example, in Chau Estate (Re), 2016 BCSC 2541, Mr. Chau died without a Will in 2007. He did not have children but was survived by his three siblings. All three siblings were equal heirs to Mr. Chau’s multi-million-dollar estate. None of the three beneficiaries offered to act as Administrator. Out of a sense of obligation and loyalty, Mr. Chau’s nephew, David, stepped up on behalf of his family and was appointed Administrator of Mr. Chau’s estate in 2013. A few years later, David sought interim remuneration of over $400,000 for his work and time spent to date. One of the beneficiaries challenged the amount claimed, arguing that $60,000 would be generous. District Registrar Nielsen reviewed the applicable legal principles and fixed the Administrator’s fee at $150,000 for the period in question.
How are BC executor’s fees determined?
If the deceased’s Will does not specifically outline the executor’s fee, or if the deceased died without a Will as in Chau Estate (Re), then section 88 of BC’s Trustee Act governs remuneration. The personal representative is entitled to be paid:
As our BC estate litigation team previously discussed, the percentages in s. 88 of the Trustee Act are a rough guide to assist in determining a BC executor’s fee. Remuneration is determined on a quantum meruit basis, which is the reasonable value of the services rendered, subject to the 5% ceiling. Also, as the result in Chau Estate demonstrates, remuneration does not need to be fixed as a percentage of the gross aggregate value of the estate; instead, it may be calculated as a lump sum, provided it does not exceed 5% ceiling.
Criteria to be considered in determining fair BC executor’s fees
In its assessment, the Court must be satisfied that the executor’s remuneration bears a reasonable relationship to the work and responsibility undertaken. Various criteria are to be considered when determining whether the administrator or executor’s fee as claimed is “fair and reasonable” including, but not limited to:
1. the magnitude of the estate,
2. the care and responsibility involved,
3. the time occupied in administering the estate,
4. the skill and ability displayed, and
5. the success (or lack thereof) achieved in the administration.
Applying the criteria set out above, the Court noted that the magnitude of Mr. Chau’s estate was considerable, with a value of $13,407,728 as of date of death. The estate’s value increased to over $16,000,000 by the end of the accounting period. However, the majority of the estate’s assets were passive investments which simply did not require the Administrator’s constant attention. Mr. Chau’s estate consisted of a half interest in a house on West 22nd Street in Vancouver, BC, his personal effects, jewellery, money in the Royal Bank of Canada, GICs in the Royal Bank of Canada, a car, the contents of a safety deposit box, and some TD shares. The increase in value of the estate was due to BC’s booming housing market, not any particular skill deployed by the Administrator. While the Administrator was given credit for handling issues when they arose, such as dealing with estate taxes owing to the CRA, it was also noted that he (properly) hired lawyers and accountants to assist him with organizing the estate to the point where it should be ready for distribution. The bank handled the GICs. Mr. Chau’s sister co-owned and lived in the West 22nd Street home, so she took care of management of the property. In the Court’s view, the amount claimed by the Administrator was excessive in all the circumstances. Fees were assessed on a quantum meruit basis in the lump sum of $150,000 for the time period involved in the passing of accounts. Both the Administrator and the beneficiary had their costs assessed at special costs.
Bottom line on BC administrator/BC executor’s fees
If the beneficiaries challenge compensation claimed and the parties cannot agree, disputes over administrator/executor’s fees will have to be settled by the Court, applying the legal principles and criteria discussed above.
Onyx Law Group represents clients in family law, estate and trust litigation, estate planning and probate matters. Consult with our experienced team at
(604) 900-2538
We were made to feel valued and heard. Integrity, competence and a passion for justice definitely describes Onyx. They are also caring, compassionate and have a good sense of humour.
Thanks to Onyx’s straightforward approach, this litigation was resolved with the best outcome for myself and my children. Although this ordeal was emotionally trying, we can get on with our lives, without added worry and stress.
I chose the right law firm and I know our future is on the proper course because of Onyx. I wouldn’t hesitate to tell anyone who needs good legal representation to take my words to heart.
650 West Georgia Street
Suite 1215 - The Scotia Tower
Vancouver, BC V6B 4N9
T (604) 900 2538
F (604) 900 2539
26 Fourth Street
Suite 100
New Westminster, BC V3L 5M4
T (604) 900 2538
F (604) 900 2539
1631 Dickson Avenue
Suite 1100
Kelowna, BC V1Y 0B5
T (604) 900-2538
F (604) 900-2539
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be considered legal, financial, tax, medical, or any other professional advice.