The Ultimate Guide
Disclaimer: Probate Consultants is not a legal practice. Information on this website about the law on any subject is general in nature and is intended to provide an outline only. It is not comprehensive, nor does it constitute legal or financial advice.
Applying for Probate in Victoria has become expensive since the introduction of new Filing Fees on 18 November 2024. For estates over $2M in value, it is the most costly jurisdiction in Australia.
How much Probate Costs in VIC largely depends upon the following:
- The value of assets located in Victoria
- How you choose to apply:
- Yourself as a Self-Represented Applicant (SRA)
- SRA supported by Probate Consultants
- Probate Solicitors
For most executors, the costs involved in obtaining a Grant of Probate is a primary factor in deciding how to apply. Whilst applying yourself as an SRA is the cheapest option, many first-time executors prefer expert support and guidance to assist them in navigating the Supreme Court’s strict procedural requirements. Lawyers are the traditional option, however, many modern executors are looking for alternatives.
Probate Consultants make applying for Probate as an SRA fast, affordable and easy. We provide specialist support and guidance throughout the application process and guarantee fast approval times. Don’t take our word for it though, read over 333 client reviews here. They are all 5-star and provide insight into why we are Australia’s highest rated Probate solution offering an unparalleled client experience.
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Supreme Court Probate Fees
The Supreme Court of Victoria charges two fees for Probate applications:
- Advertisement fee – $35.90
- Filing Fee – From $0 to $16,803.60 depending on the value of assets located in VIC
The same Court fees are payable whether you choose to apply yourself, use a solicitor or engage Probate Consultants. They are a fixed cost to all Probate applications.
Note: The same Court Fees apply for Letters of Administration applications. This application is made when a deceased person does not have a Will and Probate is not possible. Read our blog “When is Probate not required in Victoria” to learn more.
See how the Filing Fee is calculated below:
Gross Value of Assets Located in VIC | Filing Fee |
---|---|
Less than $250,000 | $0 |
$250,000 or more but less than $500,000 | $514.40 |
$500,000 or more but less than $1,000,000 | $1,028.80 |
$1,000,000 or more but less than $2,000,000 | $2,400.50 |
$2,000,000 or more but less than $3,000,000 | $4,801.00 |
$3,000,000 or more but less than $5,000,000 | $7,185.20 |
$5,000,000 or more but less than $7,000,000 | $12,002.60 |
$7,000,000 or more | $16,803.60 |
Postage
Whilst Victoria has an online Probate application process, the Original Will and a document called the Originating Motion are physically lodged with the Probate Office. This can be done in person or by post. The Court does not review a Probate application until it has received these documents.
Post
Standard postage for lodgement of the Will and Originating Motion in an A4 Envelope costs $3, however, Probate Consultants recommend Express Post which costs around $11. This ensures the envelope is fully tracked and arrives in the fastest possible time. Registered Post is another great option at around $9, albeit a little slower.
Professional Costs for Probate Assistance
If you require professional assistance with your Probate application, you will pay the fees set by the service provider. Every service provider charges different fees and the variance between these costs can be substantial.
There are two main ways to get assistance with your Probate application:
- Solicitors
- Probate Consultants
There are pros and cons to each option. Finding the best way to apply is an important decision for executors with the costs involved being a significant factor.
Please Note: Executors can engage a Trustee Company to apply for Probate on their behalf if they do not want any involvement in the estate administration.
Probate Solicitors
There is no standard cost that solicitors charge for Probate applications. Fees vary from practitioner to practitioner and practice to practice. Some law firms charge a percentage of the estate, whilst others quote within a range. More lawyers are moving toward a fixed-fee structure, however, there can often be additional charges if the application becomes complex or requires more work than anticipated.
When considering a price quote from a Probate Solicitor, ensure the following has been included:
- GST
- Costs & Disbursements
- Advertisement Fee
- Filing Fee
- Other (admin, stationery, etc.)
Probate Consultants
Probate Consultants is Australia’s Premium Probate Solution with affordable service fees that are completely fixed. We empower self-represented applicants to apply for Grants of Probate by providing specialist guidance and support.
Our professional costs are clear and remain the same regardless of the value of the estate, ensuring equality amongst our clients in Victoria. Our transparent quotes include the total out-of-pocket cost involved in obtaining a Grant of Probate in VIC as an SRA. This means you have complete certainty regarding the price of Probate from the beginning – no surprises.
The total cost involved in applying for Probate in Victoria includes:
- Our Fixed-Fee: $2,300 inc GST
- Advertisement Fee: $35.90
- Supreme Court Filing Fee: $0 to $16,803.60
Clients often ask how we can offer such affordable Fixed Fees. Our response is always the same – We are the Probate specialists and Probate is all that we do. We have created an innovative and streamlined application process that makes obtaining a Grant of Probate as an SRA easy and fast. By collaborating with our clients we increase efficiency and ensure optimal lead times. This novel approach allows us to reduce costs without compromising on quality. With over 333 five-star Google Reviews, the results speak for themselves.
Read our blog for more information about our highly-rated service:
How much does Probate Cost in VIC? – Summary
How much Probate costs in Victoria will depend on the value of assets located in VIC and how you choose to apply. Traditionally, executors engaged lawyers to assist with their application, but many are now looking for alternative options. Probate Consultants is here to help SRAs and offers specialist guidance and support for an affordable fee.
Probate Consultants is a truly Fixed Fee service – you pay only what you are quoted. Certainty over costs coupled with our streamlined application process has resulted in an unparalleled client experience for SRAs based on trust, ease, and efficiency. We truly care about, and prioritise the experience of every client, treating them like family. Our clients all agree, and we encourage you to read their testimonials to truly understand the quality of service we consistently deliver.
If you are an Executor of a Will in Victoria and align with the SRA pathway, get in touch today for a Free Consultation. There are no timers and never any obligations. We are here to help in any way we can.
Call 1300 561 803 for a Free Consultation today or Book a time for a Call-Back. There is no timer and never any obligations.