After a funeral, many families expect the hardest part to be over. Then the paperwork begins. Probate can feel like a second wave of stress—especially when you’re grieving and also trying to figure out finances, property, and legal responsibilities.

One of the most searched questions is how much does it cost to do probate—and the honest answer is: it depends. Costs vary based on where you are in Australia, the size and complexity of the estate, whether there’s a valid will, and whether anyone disputes it. Still, there are common fees and “surprise” expenses that families should understand early so they can plan realistically.

What probate actually is (in plain English)

Probate is the legal process that confirms a will is valid and gives the executor authority to manage the estate. If there’s no will, a similar process applies (often called letters of administration). Not every estate needs probate, but many do—especially when property is involved or banks require formal authority before releasing funds.

The main costs people expect

When people ask how much does it cost to do probate, they usually think of court filing fees and solicitor fees. Those are real costs, but they’re not the whole story.

Common costs include:

1) Court filing fees
There are fees for lodging probate documents, and these can differ by state and territory. Some jurisdictions scale fees based on the estate’s value.

2) Solicitor or legal fees
Some families apply for probate themselves to save money. Others hire a solicitor—especially if the estate includes property, multiple beneficiaries, business interests, or tricky family dynamics.

Legal fees might be charged:

• as a fixed fee for straightforward estates

• hourly for complex work

• or as a percentage of the estate (less common, but possible)

The “hidden” costs families don’t see coming

This is where how much does it cost to do probate becomes more complicated. Probate often triggers additional tasks that have costs attached.

1) Death certificates (and multiple certified copies)
You may need multiple certified copies for banks, superannuation, insurance providers, and property matters.

2) Asset valuations
Property, vehicles, shares, jewellery, or collectibles may need valuations. Some are informal; others require professional valuation—especially for tax or dispute prevention.

3) Accounting and tax advice
If the deceased ran a business, had investments, or had income during the estate administration period, an accountant may be needed. Final tax returns and estate tax matters can add cost.

4) Advertising and notices
In some places, executors must publish a notice of intention to apply for probate or notify creditors. Advertising fees can apply.

5) Property holding costs while probate is pending
If a home remains in the estate for months, the estate may pay:

• council rates

• utilities

• insurance

• maintenance

• mortgage repayments (if any)

These aren’t labelled “probate costs,” but they’re very real costs connected to the probate timeline.

6) Executor out-of-pocket expenses
Executors may pay for postage, travel, legal document certification, locksmiths, cleaning, storage, and admin. They’re usually reimbursed from the estate, but it still affects the overall cost.

7) Disputes and family provision claims
This is where costs can escalate dramatically. If someone challenges the will or makes a claim, legal fees can multiply quickly, and the estate may shrink significantly.

What affects probate cost the most?

If you want a clearer sense of how much does it cost to do probate, these factors matter most:

• Estate complexity (one bank account vs property + shares + business)

• Whether assets are jointly owned (some bypass probate)

• Whether beneficiaries agree

• Whether paperwork is organised

• Whether professional help is needed

• How quickly institutions respond (probate can be slow)

Can probate be avoided?

Sometimes, yes. Assets held jointly (like a jointly owned home), superannuation with nominated beneficiaries, and certain accounts with direct beneficiaries can bypass probate. But many estates still require it—especially when property is solely owned.

A practical conclusion for families

If you’re navigating loss and trying to estimate how much does it cost to do probate, the best approach is to plan for both obvious fees and the “quiet” costs that show up over time. Probate isn’t just a legal step—it’s a process that can stretch across months, and the longer it takes, the more carrying costs can accumulate.

At Black Tulip Funerals, we understand that grief doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it happens alongside admin, decisions, and financial pressure. If you need guidance on what documents you’ll need after a death, or how to prepare for the next steps after the service, we’re here to support you with clarity and care.