Probate Cost in Australia (Simple Guide)

Dealing with a loved one’s estate is emotional enough, without the nagging practical question of:

How much does probate cost in Australia?

The answer is often a confusing one, so let’s break it down for you.

The total cost can vary depending on the estate, the state or territory, and whether you choose to get professional help.

This guide breaks it down in simple terms so you know what to expect.

In simple terms

Probate costs commonly include court filing fees and may include legal and other administration costs.

Generally speaking, some estates may cost very little to manage, while others can be more expensive depending on complexity.

What Are the Main Probate Costs?

There are usually two main types of costs:

1. Court filing fees

When applying for probate, a court filing fee usually applies; fee amounts and concessions/waivers vary by state.

These fees:

• In many states, court fees vary by estate value; each state/territory has its own fee structure.
• Court filing fees often increase for larger estates, depending on the state or territory.

As a general guide:

• Smaller estates may have lower filing fees; check the relevant Supreme Court for current amounts.
• Larger estates may face higher filing fees, sometimes several thousand dollars depending on jurisdiction and estate value.

Each state has its own fee structure and we dig into that deeper further down this page.

2. Legal fees (if you use a lawyer)

Legal fees can be one of the largest costs if you use a lawyer, particularly for more complex estates.

These can vary depending on:

• the complexity of the estate
• the amount of work involved
• the law firm’s pricing structure

Legal fees may be:

• Fixed
• Hourly
• Structured differently depending on the firm and applicable rules.

As a broad guide:

• Simple estates may involve lower legal fees, often in the low thousands, but pricing varies by firm and matter.
• more complex estates may cost significantly more

Do You Have to Pay a Lawyer?

In many cases, executors can apply themselves, but requirements and court support vary by state.

This may be suitable for some straightforward estates, but users should consider their circumstances.

Professional help may be useful if:

• property is involved
• the estate is complex
• you’re unsure about the process
• they want to avoid delays or costly mistakes

Learn more: How to apply for probate

Other Potential Costs

Depending on the situation, additional costs may include: document copies, notices, valuations, accounting or tax advice.

• Copies of documents
• Notices
• Valuations
• Accounting or tax advice
• Some states require a notice of intended application to be published before applying.

A simple DIY application may be lower cost, but totals depend on court fees, estate value, state, and additional costs.

How Much Does Probate Cost Overall?

If professional help is used, total costs can vary widely;

Lower range (simpler estates)

• Court fees + minimal additional costs

Mid range

• Court fees + some professional help
• Court fees plus some professional help may be around $3,000–$8,000.

Higher range (complex estates)

• Court fees + full legal support
• Complex estates with full legal support can cost $10,000+ depending on complexity.

Cost estimates are general estimates only and not legal advice.

Which States Are More Expensive for Probate?

Each state/territory Supreme Court sets filing fees.

In general:

Higher-cost states

• New South Wales (NSW) is often among the higher-cost jurisdictions for larger estates, based on current filing fees; check current fees.
• Victoria (VIC) uses tiered probate filing fees that increase with estate value; check current fees.

Mid-range states

• Queensland (QLD) fees are often lower/less steep than NSW/VIC for larger estates, but check current schedule; check current fees.
• South Australia (SA) fees vary by estate value; check current fees.

Lower-cost states and territories

• Western Australia (WA) may be lower than NSW/VIC in many cases; check current fees.
• Tasmania (TAS) may have lower filing fees; check current fees.
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Northern Territory (NT) may have lower or simpler fee structures; check current fees.

The exact cost will still depend on the size of the estate, but location can make a noticeable difference.

Probate filing fees by state (general guide)

State / Territory	Typical Court Fee Range	Notes
NSW	From $800 to more than $5,000+	Tiered based on estate value; among the highest for large estates
VIC	From $500 to more than $2,500+	Tiered structure; increases with estate size
QLD	From $700 to more than $1,000+	More moderate and less steep scaling
WA	From $300 to more than $700+	Generally lower than eastern states
SA	From $500 to more than $1,500+	Mid-range, varies by estate value
TAS	From $300 to more than $600+	Lower overall fees
ACT	From $300 to more than $800+	Simpler fee structure
NT	From $200 to more than $600+	Typically among the lowest

These figures are general estimates and can change. Always check the relevant Supreme Court for current fees.

What Affects Probate Costs?

Several factors influence how much probate will cost:

Estate size

Larger estates may involve higher court fees and more work, depending on jurisdiction and complexity.

Complexity

Costs can increase where the estate is more complex or requires more work, such as:

• there are multiple assets
• assets are difficult to locate
• there are disputes or complications

Type of assets

Property, shares, business interests, or unusual assets can add complexity.

Whether you use a lawyer

This is often the biggest cost difference.

Can Probate Costs Be Reduced?

Good organisation and handling appropriate parts yourself may help keep costs lower in some cases.

• handling parts of the process yourself
• keeping records organised
• reducing delays and back-and-forth with institutions

Trying to handle complex steps without enough preparation can sometimes cause delays if errors are made.

Do Probate Costs Come Out of the Estate?

Probate-related costs are often reimbursed or paid from the estate, but some costs may need to be paid upfront.

Reasonable estate administration expenses may be paid from the estate, subject to proper process:

• court fees
• legal fees
• related expenses

Is Probate Always Expensive?

Not necessarily.

Some estates are simple and inexpensive to manage, while others are more involved.

The key is understanding your situation early so you can plan accordingly.

What Should You Do Next?

If you’re trying to understand probate costs, the next step is usually to determine whether probate is required in the first place.

Start here: Do I need probate in Australia?

You can also explore:

• Probate timeline in Australia
• How long probate takes
• Legal fees explained
• Download our comprehensive probate guide

Key Takeaway

• Probate costs vary depending on the estate
• Court fees and legal fees are the main components
• Some estates are low cost, others are more complex
• Costs are usually paid from the estate

If you’re unsure, that’s completely normal, most people are navigating this for the first time.

Related Guides

• Do I need probate in Australia?
• What is probate?
• How to apply for probate
• What to do when someone dies
• Comprehensive Probate Guide – step-by-step checklist

Take things one step at a time, you don’t need to understand everything all at once.