Disclaimer — This content is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Probate procedure, claim-lodgement rules,…
Disclaimer — This article is for general educational purposes only. Probate fees, court charges and professional costs change regularly. Executors in Queensland should confirm current schedules with the Supreme Court Registry and obtain personalised quotes from solicitors or accountants before paying or claiming expenses.
Obtaining a grant of probate (or letters of administration) is paperwork-intensive, and misunderstanding the true price tag can delay the grant, drain estate funds, and spark disputes between beneficiaries and executors. Knowing every likely fee— from the court filing charge to certified-copy costs—helps you budget accurately and keeps administration on track.
Core Court Fees (effective 1 July 2025)
| Charge | Amount (AUD) | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Probate or letters of administration application | $819.90 | Lodging Form 105, original will, affidavits |
| Reseal of a foreign or interstate grant | $819.90 | Recognition of an existing grant |
| Certified copy of sealed grant (each) | $26.60 | Copies for banks, share registries, Titles Queensland |
| Online notice of intention to apply | $161.70 | Mandatory publication in the Queensland Law Reporter |
Figures index annually—always verify the current schedule before filing.
Typical Disbursements (out-of-pocket costs)
| Item | Purpose | Current Price | Money-Saving Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Death certificate (official) | Proves death to Court, banks, insurers | $56.20 per copy | Order two at once to capture reduced bundle processing |
| Titles Queensland Form 5 (transmission) | Registers executor on property title | $207.00 | Lodge multiple titles in one envelope to cut courier fees |
| PPSR searches | Checks for vehicle or equipment finance | $2.00 each | Bulk-search tool lowers per-transaction cost |
| Certified ID & exhibit copies | Required on all affidavits | $1–$5 per page at post office | Witness documents with your solicitor during the same meeting—often free |
| Real-estate agent valuation | Establishes fair market value / CGT baseline | $330–$550 | For modest estates a brief agent appraisal letter may suffice |
| Postage & couriers | Sending originals to Registry, returning wills | $20–$50 | E-lodgement now available—upload PDFs, pay by card |
| Bank cheque fee | Court filing if paid by cheque | $10–$15 | Use the Registry’s online payment portal to avoid cheques |
Professional Fees at a Glance
| Service | Common Pricing Method | Typical Range (simple estate) |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare & lodge probate (solicitor fixed fee) | Single figure covers drafting, filing, liaison | $2 000 – $4 500 + GST |
| Hourly billing for complex matters | Charged when disputes or foreign assets arise | $350 – $550 per hour |
| Estate tax return (accountant) | Fixed or hourly | $550 – $1 500 |
Always clarify what a “fixed-fee probate” includes—property transfers, estate tax returns and final distribution accounts are often extra.
Indicative Cost Summary for an Uncontested Probate
| Category | DIY Executor | With Solicitor (fixed fee) |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing & certified copy fees | $846.50 | $846.50 |
| Online advertising notice | $161.70 | $161.70 |
| Two death certificates | $112.40 | $112.40 |
| Searches, postage, sundries | $60 | $120 |
| Disbursement subtotal | $1 180 | $1 240 |
| Legal fees | — | $3 000 (average) |
| Estimated total | $1 180 | ≈ $4 240 |
All amounts include GST where applicable and assume no property sale or estate tax return.
Saving the Estate Money Without Cutting Corners
- Use e-lodgement to reduce postage and courier costs.
- Bundle title and PPSR searches in one session to lower admin fees.
- Negotiate a capped legal fee and request a clear scope of work in writing.
- Leverage existing valuations—recent bank or insurance reports may satisfy the Registry.
- Track every cost; reasonable, documented expenses are reimbursable from estate funds after the grant issues.
Insolvent Estates Require Special Care
If liabilities exceed assets:
- Do not pay unsecured creditors or professional invoices first.
- Follow bankruptcy-style priorities under the Bankruptcy Act 1966 and related case law.
- Consider appointing the Public Trustee or a registered bankruptcy trustee to avoid personal risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are court fees ever waived?
The Registrar may reduce or waive the filing fee on hardship grounds if the estate is very small and evidence of financial difficulty is provided.
Is GST payable on court fees?
No. Supreme Court fees are GST-exempt, but solicitor invoices and many disbursements include GST.
Can beneficiaries challenge excessive legal fees?
Yes. Beneficiaries may request an itemised account and, if necessary, apply for a formal costs assessment.
Why must I still pay the advertising fee if notices are online?
Rule 599 of the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules requires publication in the Queensland Law Reporter; the set fee funds that service.
Key Take-Aways
- The core court costs for a straightforward application are about $1 180.
- Solicitor fixed fees vary widely; request detailed quotes and clarify inclusions.
- Executors may reimburse only reasonable, documented expenses—keep receipts.
- Insolvent estates follow strict priority rules; seek professional advice early.
- Verify every fee immediately before filing—schedules index every 1 July.
Sources / Citations
- Supreme Court of Queensland, Schedule of Court Fees — Probate, Reseal and Administration (1 July 2025).
- Queensland Law Reporter, Notice of Intention to Apply — Advertising Charges (July 2025).
- Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Current Death Certificate Fees (accessed 30 July 2025).
- Titles Queensland, Fee Schedule (effective 1 July 2025).
- Australian Government Personal Property Securities Register, Fee Table (accessed 30 July 2025).