How much does probate cost in Queensland?
Probate costs come in two parts: what the law practice charges, and what has to be paid to others. Only the first is negotiable, and it is the part where quotes vary the most — from a fixed fee of a few thousand dollars to a percentage of the estate running into tens of thousands.
Written by Michael Klein, Legal Practice Director, admitted 2003 · General information about Queensland law · Last reviewed 2026
Need advice on your own matter? Book a no-obligation consultation with Coastside Law in Golden Beach.
The professional fee
This is the work: reviewing the will, identifying the executors and assets, preparing and publishing the notice, serving the Public Trustee, drafting the application and affidavit, filing in the Supreme Court and answering any requisitions until the grant issues.
Our fixed professional fee for a straightforward grant of probate or letters of administration on its own is $3,300 including GST. Full estate administration — which includes obtaining the grant — is a fixed $8,800 including GST, covering up to 3 separate bank accounts, the retirement village exit or one property transfer, and distribution to up to 6 beneficiaries. More complex estates are quoted before you commit.
Disbursements — set by others
These are amounts paid out on the estate's behalf, not profit for the law practice:
- The Supreme Court of Queensland filing fee on the application
- The cost of publishing the notice of intention to apply
- Title searches and company or share registry searches
- The death certificate, if not already obtained
- Registration fees on transferring or transmitting real property
Percentage charging, and why it costs more
Trustee companies and some law firms charge a percentage of the estate's value, sometimes with an additional annual fee while the estate is administered. A beachfront house does not make the application harder than a modest unit, but on a percentage model it can triple the bill. Ask any firm quoting a percentage what the dollar figure is on your estate before you sign.
Who pays
The estate pays. An executor who funds costs personally at the outset is reimbursed from the estate. If the estate has no cash before the grant, the fee is usually deferred until funds are released.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a set scale for probate fees in Queensland?
No. Legal fees are not fixed by regulation, which is exactly why the range is so wide and why a written fixed-fee quote is worth insisting on.
How much is the Supreme Court filing fee?
It is set by regulation and reviewed annually, so we confirm the current figure in writing with your quote rather than quoting a number that goes stale.
Does a bigger estate cost more?
Not for the grant itself — the application is the same work. Administration can cost more where there are more assets to collect, a property to sell, or a business or trust involved.
Can I get a fixed fee for the whole estate, not just the grant?
Usually yes, once we know what the estate holds. That is what the executor intake is for: we scope the administration and give you a figure before you commit.
This guide is general information about Queensland law, current at the time of writing. It is not legal advice and does not take your circumstances into account. Call Coastside Law on 0488 340 853 for advice on your own matter.
Related questions
The questions people usually ask next on this topic.
- Do I need probate in Queensland?
- Can someone contest a will in Queensland?
- When should I update my will?
Keep reading
Next steps
Where to go from here if this is your situation.
- 1Wills, probate and estatesWills, executor work, probate applications and estate administration in Queensland.See how we help
- 2Check the fixed feeExactly what our conveyancing costs, what is included, and what the third-party disbursements are.View our fees
- 3Talk it throughA short, no-obligation conversation with a lawyer at our Golden Beach office.Request a consultationCall 0488 340 853
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