How Much Does Probate Cost in NSW? (2026 Guide)
Calculate your probate cost in seconds
The probate cost in NSW has two main parts: the solicitor’s fee to obtain the grant, which the law sets, and the Supreme Court filing fee. Use our calculator to see what to expect for your estate.
Reviewed by Jacinta Watkins, Partner – Estate Planning and Deceased Estates. Last updated November 2026.
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The law sets the solicitor’s fee to obtain a grant, so every NSW law firm charges the same. Choose an estates team you trust.
Probate cost calculator
Use the gross value of NSW assets (before debts are deducted), such as property, bank accounts and shares in the deceased’s sole name.
Estate administration (calling in and distributing assets) is charged separately. Your lawyer will give you an estimate at your consultation.
Call 1300 ALA LAWRequest a call backHow the probate cost is calculated
The cost of obtaining a grant of probate or letters of administration in NSW has two main parts: the solicitor’s fee, which regulation sets, and the Supreme Court filing fee. Both depend on the gross value of the estate in NSW.
1. Solicitor’s fee: the probate scale
The Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Regulation 2025 (NSW) sets the professional costs of obtaining a grant. As a result, every NSW law practice charges the same for this work, plus GST.
| Gross value of NSW estate | Solicitor’s fee (plus GST) |
|---|---|
| Up to $30,000 | $560 + $13.33 per $1,000 |
| $30,000 – $150,000 | $960 + $5.90 per $1,000 over $30,000 |
| $150,000 – $1,000,000 | $1,670 + $4.47 per $1,000 over $150,000 |
| $1,000,000 – $3,000,000 | $5,470 + $1.66 per $1,000 over $1,000,000 |
| $3,000,000 – $5,000,000 | $8,800 + $1.10 per $1,000 over $3,000,000 |
| $5,000,000 – $10,000,000 | $11,000 + $0.90 per $1,000 over $5,000,000 |
| Over $10,000,000 | $15,500 |
2. Supreme Court filing fee
The Supreme Court of NSW charges a filing fee based on the gross value of the NSW estate. The fees below apply from 1 July 2026, and the Court updates them each year.
| Gross value of NSW estate | Filing fee |
|---|---|
| Less than $100,000 | Nil |
| $100,000 to less than $250,000 | $960 |
| $250,000 to less than $500,000 | $1,303 |
| $500,000 to less than $1,000,000 | $1,999 |
| $1,000,000 to less than $2,000,000 | $2,663 |
| $2,000,000 to less than $5,000,000 | $4,439 |
| $5,000,000 or more | $7,399 |
In addition, we charge disbursements, such as searches and certified copies, separately.
What the probate cost includes, and what it doesn’t
The scale fee covers the core legal work needed to obtain the grant. However, we charge other estate work separately.
Included in the scale fee
- Taking instructions to obtain the grant
- Checking details of the assets supplied by the executor or administrator
- Preparing and filing the court documents
- Meeting with the executor or administrator to sign documents
- Answering any requisitions from the Court
- Reviewing the grant and advising the executor or administrator
Not included in the scale fee
- Disbursements, such as searches, certified copies and valuation fees
- Sorting through estate papers and belongings
- Identifying assets, or whether an asset forms part of the estate
- Obtaining valuations of assets or debts
- Tax returns and other tax work for the estate
- Advice on complex will issues, informal wills, capacity or potential challenges to the will
- Transferring, selling or calling in assets, such as property, bank accounts and shares
- Publishing notices of intended distribution and preparing estate accounts
Estate administration costs
Once the Court issues the grant, the executor needs to administer the estate: calling in assets, paying debts and distributing the estate to the beneficiaries. The probate scale does not cover this work.
We charge for estate administration through a mix of fixed fees and pro-rata fees, depending on the work required. For example, transferring a property is usually a set fee. The cost depends on what assets exist and how each of them needs to be dealt with. Common tasks include:
Who pays the probate cost?
Generally, the estate pays probate and estate administration costs, not the executor personally.
Sometimes an executor pays a cost upfront, such as the court filing fee. In that case, the estate usually reimburses them once the assets come in.
What about letters of administration?
You need letters of administration when there is no valid will, or when no executor is able or willing to act.
The same scale fee and Supreme Court filing fee apply. However, if the matter needs additional work, extra costs may apply under the Supreme Court Rules.
Frequently asked questions
How much does probate cost in NSW?
It depends on the gross value of the estate in NSW. For example, for a $500,000 estate the solicitor’s scale fee is $3,234.50 plus $323.45 GST, and the Supreme Court filing fee is $1,999, a total of $5,556.95 to obtain the grant. In addition, we charge disbursements and estate administration separately.
Is the solicitor’s probate cost fixed in NSW?
Yes. Regulation sets the professional costs of obtaining a grant of probate or letters of administration. As a result, every NSW law practice charges the same for this work, plus GST.
Who pays the probate cost?
Generally, the estate pays probate and estate administration costs. If an executor pays a cost upfront, such as the filing fee, the estate usually reimburses them.
What is the probate filing fee in NSW?
The Supreme Court filing fee depends on the gross value of the NSW estate. From 1 July 2026 there is no fee for estates under $100,000, and the fee rises from $960 to $7,399 for estates of $5 million or more.
Does the probate cost include administering the estate?
No. The scale fee covers obtaining the grant. Instead, we charge separately for calling in assets, transferring property, paying debts and distributing the estate, through a mix of fixed and pro-rata fees.
How much do letters of administration cost?
The same scale fee and Supreme Court filing fee apply as for probate. However, if obtaining letters of administration needs additional work, extra costs may apply under the Supreme Court Rules.
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