Under California Probate laws, the executor is entitled to a specific fee for his or her services, depending on the size of the estate. If the executor is a family member and an inheritor, the executor fees may be waived. If you are naming an executor in your will, make absolutely certain the executor understands what is involved, and is willing to put in the time and effort necessary. Even if an executor is named in a will, he or she could potentially be unable to serve at the time of the decedent’s death, therefore the court would appoint an executor.