Probate Cost & Pricing

Probate Fees Explained (Australia)

If you’re dealing with a loved one’s estate, you’ve probably come across the term probate fees and wondered…

*Probate Help Australia offers general information only, not legal advice. Please see the full disclaimer at the end of this article.

If you’re dealing with a loved one’s estate, you’ve probably come across the term probate fees and wondered what it actually includes.

It’s a common source of confusion.

This guide explains what probate fees are, what you’re likely to pay, and what affects the total cost, in simple, clear terms.

In simple terms

Probate fees are the costs involved in getting legal authority to manage a person’s estate.

They usually include court fees and, in some cases, professional (legal or accounting) fees.

Missing One Document Can Add Weeks to Probate.

Many of those delays can be avoided

Our simple step-by-step guide helps you understand the process, gather the right documents and avoid common issues that can slow things down.

Get the checklist

Do You Need to Pay These Fees?

In most cases, probate fees are paid from the estate, not your own money.

That means the costs are usually covered using the deceased person’s assets before anything is distributed to beneficiaries.

However, there are a couple of things to be aware of:

you may need to pay some costs upfront (such as court fees)
you are usually reimbursed from the estate later

If probate isn’t required, many of these fees may not apply at all.

Find out: Do I need probate in Australia?

What Are Probate Fees Made Up Of?

There are a few main components.

1. Court filing fees

When you apply for probate, you pay a fee to the Supreme Court in your state or territory.

These fees:

vary by state
usually increases with the value of the estate

Learn more: Probate cost in Australia

2. Legal fees (optional)

If you use a lawyer, their fees will usually be the largest part of the cost.

These can be:

fixed fees
hourly rates
or based on the complexity of the estate

Some people choose to handle probate themselves, while others prefer support to avoid delays or mistakes.

Step-by-step: How to apply for probate

3. Additional costs

Depending on the situation, there may also be smaller costs such as:

advertising the probate application
certified copies of documents
property valuations
accounting or tax advice

These are usually modest individually, but can add up.

Example: What Probate Fees Might Look Like

Here’s a simple example as guidance (not legal advice, all estates are different).

Scenario

Estate value: $1,000,000
Location: Victoria
Assets: property + bank accounts
Clear will, no disputes

Typical costs

Court fee: ~$2,471
Advertising: ~$30–$50
Legal fees: $3,000 – $8,000
Other costs: $200 – $1,000

Estimated total: $5,500 – $11,500+

If handled without a lawyer, the total may be closer to the lower end but mistakes can be costly.

Cheap vs Expensive Estate (What Changes the Cost?)

Two estates can be the same size but cost very different amounts to administer.

Lower-cost (simpler estate)

Example:

$1M estate
Family home + 1–2 bank accounts
Clear, valid will
No disputes
Easy-to-locate assets

Typical costs:

Court fee: ~$2,471
Legal fees (optional): $3,000 – $5,000
Other costs: $200 – $500

Estimated total: $5,500 – $8,000

Higher-cost (more complex estate)

Example:

$1M estate
Multiple properties or investments
Missing or unclear documents
Beneficiary disagreements
Tax or business interests involved

Typical costs:

Court fee: ~$2,471
Legal fees: $8,000 – $20,000+
Other costs: $1,000 – $5,000+

Estimated total: $12,000 – $25,000+

The key difference

The biggest cost driver isn’t just the size of the estate, it’s how complex it is to manage.

Which Fees Do You Actually Pay Personally?

In most cases, probate fees are paid from the estate, not your own money.

However:

some costs may need to be paid upfront
you may be reimbursed later from estate funds

Do You Always Need to Pay Probate Fees?

No.

If probate isn’t required, you may avoid many of these costs altogether.