I am so sorry for your loss.  Executor's fees in California are set by statute.  They are a one time fee based upon a percentage of the estate. California Probate Code section 10800 sets the statutory fees for an executor. The fees are four percent of the first $100,000 of the estate, three percent of the next $100,000, two percent of the next $800,000, one percent of the next $9,000,000, and one-half percent of the next $15,000,000. For estates larger than $25,000,000, the court will determine the fee for the amount that is greater than $25,000,000.  Good luck.