[ossiblue]

Agree with the above posts that compensation will depend, to a large part, on the complexity of the estate and who is named as executor. You could very easily name one of your siblings as executor even though they will share in the estate. If you are on good terms and wish to discuss the details beforehand, that would make things very easy. In such cases, compensation may not be necessary.

There are so many variables in this situation that it is difficult to lay down rigid rules. If you want to keep things "clean" from family disputes, then appointing a third party, outside of the family, as executor is certainly the way to go. If so, then compensation is warranted, IMO. The amount, as mentioned by others, will depend on the appointee and the the complexity of the estate.