Which term describes the compensation paid to the personal representative as a percentage?

• A. Escheat
• B. Dividend
• C. Commission
• D. Marshaling the assets

Answer: (C)

Compensation for administering a probate estate is typically called a commission, a fee that is often calculated as a percentage of the estate’s assets or receipts and may be set by statute, court order, or the will. Escheat refers to property that reverts to the state when there are no heirs or claimants. A dividend is a distribution of profits to shareholders. Marshaling the assets is the process of gathering and organizing the decedent’s property to ensure debts and beneficiaries are paid in the proper order. Because the question describes a percentage-based payment to the personal representative, commission is the correct term.