On this page:
- Total Probate Costs in QLD
- Supreme Court Filing Fee
- Queensland Law Reporter Advertising
- Solicitor Fees for Probate QLD
- Complete Cost Breakdown Table
- Reduced Filing Fees and Concessions
- What Are the Executor’s Duties?
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Probate Cost in QLD?
The total cost of probate in Queensland is made up of three components: the Supreme Court filing fee of $819.90, the Queensland Law Reporter advertising fee of $161.70, and solicitor fees if you engage a lawyer to prepare your application. Our fixed-fee probate application service costs $1490 for professional costs, bringing the total to approximately $2,471.60 all-in.
Unlike other states where court fees scale with estate value, Queensland charges a flat filing fee regardless of whether the deceased estate is worth $50,000 or $5 million. This makes Queensland probate costs among the most predictable in Australia.
If you’re an executor who needs to apply for a grant of probate in Queensland, understanding each of these costs upfront helps you plan and ensures there are no surprises. All probate costs are recoverable from the estate once the grant has been issued, so you won’t be out of pocket permanently.
Supreme Court Filing Fee for Probate QLD
The current standard filing fee for a probate application in the Supreme Court of Queensland is $819.90 (effective 1 July 2025 for the 2025-2026 financial year). This court fee is set by the Queensland Government and applies to all probate and letters of administration applications.
The Supreme Court filing fee is the same regardless of the value of the deceased estate’s assets. Whether the estate includes a single bank account or multiple properties, the court fee remains $819.90. This is payable directly to the Supreme Court of Queensland when the application is filed, whether you use a solicitor or apply yourself.
The court fee is updated annually on 1 July each year by the Queensland Government. The fee has increased gradually over recent years — it was $793.00 in 2023-2024 and $819.90 from 1 July 2025. We update this page whenever the Queensland charges change.
Queensland Law Reporter Advertising Cost
Before filing your probate application, you must advertise a notice of intention to apply for the grant in the Queensland Law Reporter. The advertising fee is currently $161.70.
This notice runs for 14 days on the Queensland Law Reporter website and serves as public notice that a probate application will be made. It includes the name of the deceased and the executor named in the will. The Queensland Law Reporter publishes each Friday, with the advertising deadline being the Monday prior.
In most routine matters, it is no longer compulsory to advertise in newspapers — a welcome development that previously cost executors in excess of $600. This requirement to advertise only in the Queensland Law Reporter significantly reduces the overall costs of probate in Queensland.
Solicitor Fees for Probate in QLD
Professional costs for probate solicitors in Queensland vary significantly. Most firms charge between $1,500 and $3,000 or more, often billing on an hourly basis where the final cost depends on the complexity of the estate. Some firms base their fee on a percentage of the estate’s value, which can result in charges of $5,000 to $10,000 or more for larger estates.
Our fixed-fee approach is different. We charge $1490 for our complete probate application service — regardless of the estate’s value or complexity. This fixed cost covers preparing the application, drafting all affidavits, arranging the Queensland Law Reporter advertisement, filing with the Supreme Court, and responding to any requisitions from the court registry.
Whether you decide to apply for probate yourself or seek the help of a solicitor, the court filing fee and advertising costs remain the same. Given the complexity of the Supreme Court process and the personal liability executors carry, most people find the professional costs of engaging a solicitor worthwhile for peace of mind.
Complete Probate Cost Breakdown — Queensland 2026
| Cost Component | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court filing fee | $819.90 | Supreme Court of Queensland |
| Queensland Law Reporter advertising | $161.70 | Queensland Law Reporter |
| Solicitor fee (WELA fixed fee) | $1490 | Will and Estate Lawyers Australia |
| Total (with WELA) | $2,471.60 | — |
All costs are recoverable from the deceased estate once the grant of probate has been issued. GST does not apply to court filing fees or advertising fees. Our solicitor fee is inclusive of GST.
Reduced Court Filing Fees and Concessions
The Supreme Court Registry may reduce the filing fee if paying the standard court fee would cause financial hardship. If you hold a Commonwealth-issued health care card, concession card, or seniors card, you may be eligible for a reduced filing fee of approximately $149.60.
To apply for a fee reduction, attach a certified copy of your concession card to the probate application. The Registry will assess the application and confirm whether the reduced fee applies. This can make a meaningful difference to the overall costs of your Queensland probate application.
What Are the Executor’s Duties Regarding Probate?
If probate is uncontested, we issue a fixed-fee costs agreement covering the full administration of the estate to completion. This includes ensuring the executor complies with their primary duties under Queensland law, which include collecting the deceased’s real and personal estate, applying to the Supreme Court for a grant of probate, making a full inventory of assets, and distributing the estate as soon as practical.
Executors are also expected to perform ancillary duties such as locating the will and advising beneficiaries, obtaining valuations of estate assets, preserving assets including arranging insurance, paying debts and lodging final tax returns, and preparing financial statements.
The work performed by an executor is considerable. Queensland legislation permits executors to recover monetary commission for their “pains and troubles” administering the estate, even when a solicitor has been retained to assist with the application.
If you’re an executor who needs to apply for probate but you’re not sure whether it’s required in your circumstances, read our guide on when probate is required in QLD or call us on (07) 3103 9846 for a same-day assessment.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Probate Costs QLD
How is probate calculated in Queensland?
Unlike some Australian states, probate costs in Queensland are not calculated based on the estate’s value. The Supreme Court charges a flat filing fee of $819.90 regardless of estate size, plus a $161.70 advertising fee in the Queensland Law Reporter. The only variable cost is the solicitor fee, which ranges from $1490 (our fixed fee) to $3,000 or more at other firms.
How much do solicitors charge for probate in QLD?
Solicitor fees for probate in Queensland typically range from $1,500 to $3,000 or more. Many firms bill on an hourly basis or charge a percentage of the estate’s value. We charge a fixed fee of $1490 for our complete probate application service, regardless of estate value or complexity.
How much do solicitors charge for a deceased estate in QLD?
Deceased estate administration costs depend on whether you need probate, letters of administration, or both. Our probate and letters of administration applications are each $1490 fixed fee. Full estate administration (collecting assets, paying debts, distributing to beneficiaries) involves additional work that we quote on a case-by-case basis. Court fees of $819.90 and advertising of $161.70 apply in all cases.
Under what circumstances do you need probate?
Probate is generally required when the deceased owned assets in their sole name — particularly real estate, shares, or bank accounts above the financial institution’s threshold (usually $15,000 to $50,000). Some assets like jointly held property and superannuation with a binding nomination pass outside the estate and don’t require probate. Read our complete guide to when probate is required in QLD for detailed scenarios.
Can probate costs be paid from the estate?
Yes. All reasonable probate costs — including the court filing fee, advertising, and solicitor fees — are recoverable from the deceased estate once the grant has been issued. Executors are entitled to be reimbursed from estate funds. If estate funds aren’t immediately accessible, we offer deferred payment arrangements so you don’t need to pay upfront.
What is the current Supreme Court filing fee for probate in Queensland?
The current Supreme Court filing fee for probate in Queensland is $819.90 (effective 1 July 2025, 2025-2026 financial year). This fee is the same for all estates regardless of value. Concession card holders may be eligible for a reduced fee of approximately $149.60.
