Probate Code
Guardians and conservators (aka guardians of the estate) are generally entitled to reasonable compensation for their work. State statutes limit the fees to a certain amount which cannot be exceeded without prior court approval. Others just permit reasonable compensation and allow courts to interpret what constitutes excessive compensation.
Compensation payable to the conservator or guardian of any person who is supported wholly or in part by the state in any humane institution, or who is receiving benefits under any of the state’s programs of public assistance, shall be based upon services rendered and shall not exceed 5% of the gross income to the estate during the period covered by any account. The conservator or guardian shall be entitled to compensation of not less than $50 for any accounting period continuing for at least a year. If extraordinary services are rendered by any conservator or guardian, the court of probate, upon petition and hearing, may authorize reasonable additional compensation.
Similarly, compensation payable to the conservator or guardian of any veteran or other beneficiary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for administering moneys paid by the United States through the department, or revenue or profit from any property wholly or partially acquired therewith, shall be based upon services rendered and shall not exceed five per cent of the amount of moneys received during the period covered by the account. If extraordinary services are rendered by any conservator or guardian, the Court of Probate, upon petition and hearing, may authorize reasonable additional compensation.