Probate & estate cost calculator
About the estate
Assets included
Executor details
Using a professional executor?
Trustee company or solicitor as executor
Does a valid will exist?
Intestacy (no will) significantly increases costs
Total estimated costs
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all administration costs
Probate fees
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court filing fees
Legal fees
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solicitor costs
Net estate
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after all costs & debts
Full cost breakdown
Gross estate value
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Court probate filing fees
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Solicitor / legal fees
Preparation of documents, advice, correspondence
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Professional executor commission
Typically 1.5–3% of estate value
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Financial institution fees
Closing accounts, transferring shares, super claims
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Valuation & other costs
Property valuations, accountant fees, advertising
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Outstanding debts
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Net estate to beneficiaries
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💡 Cost as % of estate
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Estimated administration timeline
1
Locate will and notify beneficiaries
Week 1–2
2
Apply for probate / letters of administration
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3
Collect assets and pay debts
1–3 months after probate granted
4
Transfer or sell property
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5
Distribute estate to beneficiaries
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⚠️ Important note
These are estimates based on typical costs for Australian estate administration. Actual costs vary significantly based on the specific circumstances, the solicitor or trustee company engaged, and any disputes or complications. Always obtain quotes from at least two estate lawyers before proceeding.
Understanding estate administration in Australia
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process of proving a will is valid and authorising the executor to administer the estate. Most financial institutions and the Land Titles Office require a grant of probate before releasing or transferring assets.
Executor responsibilities
An executor is legally responsible for collecting assets, paying debts, lodging the final tax return, applying for probate, and distributing the estate. It is a significant legal role — executors can be held personally liable for errors.
Property in an estate
Jointly owned property (joint tenancy) passes directly to the surviving owner and does not form part of the estate. Property owned as tenants in common does form part of the estate and must go through probate.
Superannuation is different
Super does not automatically form part of a deceased estate. The trustee of the super fund decides who receives the benefit, guided by binding death nominations. Without a valid nomination, this process can take months and incur additional costs.
No will = intestacy
Dying without a will (intestate) significantly increases costs and time. The court must appoint an administrator, and the estate is distributed according to state intestacy laws — which may not reflect the deceased's wishes.
Challenging a will
Family members who believe they have been inadequately provided for can challenge a will through a family provision claim. This can significantly increase legal costs and delay distribution — sometimes by years.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does probate cost in Australia?
Probate court fees vary by state and estate value. In NSW, fees range from $0 for estates under $100,000 to over $3,500 for estates over $1 million. In VIC, the filing fee is around $300 regardless of estate size. Legal fees for preparing probate documents typically range from $2,000 to $8,000 depending on complexity.
How long does estate administration take in Australia?
Simple estates with a valid will typically take 6–12 months. Complex estates, those with property to sell, or contested estates can take 2–5 years. The probate application itself usually takes 4–8 weeks once submitted to the court.
Does an executor get paid in Australia?
A family member acting as executor is generally not entitled to commission unless the will specifically provides for it or the Supreme Court grants it. Professional executors (trustee companies or solicitors) typically charge 1.5–3% of the estate value plus GST as their commission.
Do I need a lawyer to administer an estate?
You are not legally required to use a solicitor, but it is strongly recommended for all but the simplest estates. Errors in estate administration can expose executors to personal liability. Most estates involving real property, superannuation or significant assets benefit significantly from professional legal assistance.
Is there inheritance tax in Australia?
Australia does not have a specific inheritance tax or death duty. However, capital gains tax (CGT) may apply when estate assets are sold or transferred, depending on when the asset was acquired and how it is distributed. Superannuation paid to non-dependants may also be subject to tax.
What happens if there is no will?
Dying without a valid will (intestate) means the estate is distributed according to state intestacy laws, which may not reflect the deceased's wishes. A family member must apply to the court to be appointed administrator, which adds time and cost. The process typically takes significantly longer than administering an estate with a valid will.