Trustee fees in Pennsylvania can vary depending on many factors. Serving as a Trustee is a time-consuming job. Depending on the type of trust (including special needs trusts (or a minor’s trust) the role can become a full-time commitment. In fact, there are companies whose sole existence is to serve as trustees. Decisions must be made about all sorts of issues, including distributions to beneficiaries, selling or buying property, fees to charge, and advisors to hire.
Trustees in Pennsylvania often ask us what form of compensation they will receive for serving. Similarly, the individual who establishes a trust and the trust’s beneficiaries also prefer to know exactly how much of the trust’s resources will be used for administration.
Typical Pennsylvania Trustee Fees are Hourly, Flat Rate per Year, or a Combination of Both
In the trust dynamic, the principal sets the terms. If the trust document has not yet been drafted, the grantor can expressly state the compensation a trustee will receive. If the trustee does not feel the compensation is worth their time and effort, it is their right to refuse to serve. The types of compensation specified can be an hourly rate, a flat rate per year, a combination of both. Some trust documents may even stipulate that trustees serve with no fee. Most often, a trust will include a term specifying that a trustee shall receive ‘reasonable compensation.’
Trust Attorneys and Trustees often favor this term because it provides maximum flexibility. For instance, it allows a regular trustee to be compensated more for extraordinary work. This term will not scare a corporate trustee away from serving when all previously appointed trustees have stopped serving.
“Reasonable” is also the default compensation a court will apply when no compensation has been specified in the trust document. The sources of clarity on what is or is not reasonable are judge’s opinions. Making the question more difficult is that judge’s opinions differ based on county and circumstance.
For more information go to our Estate Litigation page. Go to our Breach of Fiduciary Duty page for information about Trustee duties.
Case Law on Trustee Liability
If you have questions about trustee fees in Pennsylvania or any other estate planning concerns contact our office for a free consultation.
Pennsylvania Estate Administration Fees
- Overview
- PA Probate Attorney Fees
- PA Executor Fees
- PA Trustee Fees
- PA Agent & Power of Attorney Fees
- PA Guardianship Fees
Peter Klenk is the founding member of Klenk Law, a seven attorney boutique estate planning law firm. We serve clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota and Florida. Peter Klenk received his Masters in Taxation LL.M. from NYU Law School and his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School. He served his country in the Navy JAGC during Desert Storm. Easy to talk to, feel free to call Peter for an appointment. We will make the process as easy as possible!
Free Consultation
"*" indicates required fields
Client Review
"I worked for Peter Klenk for 4 wonderful years. I can’t speak highly enough of everyone at the firm. Everyone truly cares about their clients and has a strong sense of responsibility to get things done right. I would highly recommend Klenk Law!"
Flora Novick
Areas Served:
Philadelphia PA, Allentown PA, King of Prussia PA, Montgomery County PA, Bucks County PA, Doylestown PA, Jenkintown PA, Marlton NJ, Moorestown NJWhat Our clients are saying
Dustin Ward
Jackie was fantastic! She helped prepare our will, her professionalism and organization was top notch! We highly recommend Jackie and Klenk Law.
David Major
Had our will done with Peter and his team. Made the process super easy and understandable. His team lead by Laura Parisi were always available for questions and assistance. Professional and personable they made what can be a challenging experience hopeful and graceful. Cannot recommend their services enough!
Chris Benson
My family and I was pleased with the service, and insight of Klenk Law. All of our questions and concerns were patiently answered. I will be referring this firm to many family and friends to assist with real estate planning etc. Thank Klenk Law
Wendy Charlap
We came to this firm based because of the online reviews we read and were not disappointed. Peter and the staff were a pleasure to work with - Peter was friendly, knowledgeable and patient with all our questions and the office staff were extremely responsive and efficient with all the scheduling and follow up needed to get us ready for the signing. We also like that all documents are housed in a portal that is easily accessible. Thank you to Peter and the team for helping us cross 'update estate planning documents' off our list.
Chris Nezu
Klenk Law is a professional and class act from start to finish. Peter, and all of his staff members are patient, clear, and trustworthy, all within the context of a user friendly, kind, and comfortable ambience.
Let us put our expertise to work for you.
Free consultation within 24 hours.
