Fixed-Fee Probate in Queensland — $1,485, No Surprises
Probate in Queensland is the court process that confirms a will and gives the executor legal authority to manage and distribute an estate.
Probate is typically required when assets held solely in the deceased’s name cannot be accessed or transferred without court authority, such as real estate, significant bank balances, or shares.
Pricing – Fixed and Transparent
Our pricing is simple, competitive, and fully transparent:
- Legal fees: $1,485 (including GST)
- Court & advertising fees: $981.60 ($311.30 for concession card holders)
- Total cost: $2,466.60 all-inclusive ($1,796.60 for concession card holders)
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate in Queensland
How much does probate cost in Queensland?
At Fulljames Law, our fixed legal fee for a standard Grant of Probate application in Queensland is $1,485 including GST, plus the Supreme Court filing fee and advertising costs.
Do all estates require probate in Queensland?
No. Probate is only required when the institutions holding the deceased’s assets require a Grant of Probate before releasing or transferring those assets.
When is probate required?
Probate is required when the deceased owned assets solely in their name and those assets cannot be accessed or transferred without a Grant of Probate issued by the Supreme Court of Queensland. This commonly includes real estate, substantial bank balances, and shareholdings.
When is probate not required in Queensland?
Probate is not required in Queensland where assets can be transferred without a Grant of Probate. This usually includes jointly owned assets (such as property held as joint tenants), smaller bank balances that institutions may release without probate (often under $50,000 to $100,000), and some superannuation or insurance benefits paid directly to beneficiaries. Whether probate is required ultimately depends on the policies of the asset holders, not just the size of the estate.
How long does probate take in Queensland?
Probate in Queensland typically takes 6 to 10 weeks including advertising, preparation, lodgment and the court review period. The overall timeframe may be longer depending on whether the court issues requisitions (asks for more information).
How soon should probate be applied for after death?
There is no strict deadline to apply for probate in Queensland, but it is usually best to apply within a few months of death. Delaying probate can slow access to bank accounts, prevent property sales, and delay distributions to beneficiaries. In practice, many executors begin the process once they have the death certificate and key asset details, as early action helps avoid unnecessary delays and complications in administering the estate.
Who applies for probate in Queensland?
The executor named in the will is responsible for applying for probate in Queensland. If no executor is named or able to act, another eligible person may apply to the court for letters of administration instead.
What happens if you do not apply for probate?
If probate is not obtained when required, the executor may be unable to access or transfer assets held in the deceased’s sole name. This can delay the administration of the estate and prevent beneficiaries from receiving their entitlements.
What assets require probate in Queensland?
In Queensland, probate is typically required for assets held solely in the deceased’s name that cannot be transferred without court authority. This commonly includes real estate registered in one name, shareholdings, and larger bank accounts where institutions require a Grant of Probate before releasing funds. The requirement is determined by each asset holder’s policy, meaning some assets may be accessed without probate while others cannot.
Can you apply for probate yourself in Queensland?
Yes, but probate applications must comply with Supreme Court rules and document requirements. Errors can cause delays, requisitions, or rejection.
What does a Grant of Probate allow you to do?
A Grant of Probate gives the executor legal authority to administer the estate in accordance with the will. This includes collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries.
Can an executor be personally liable in Queensland?
Yes, an executor can be personally liable if they fail to comply with their legal duties, distribute the estate incorrectly, or do not properly account for debts and liabilities before making distributions.
How probate works in Queensland.
In Queensland, probate is the legal process of having a will recognised by the Supreme Court so the executor can manage and distribute the estate.
For most estates, the process involves four key steps:
1. Confirm the will and gather estate details
The will is reviewed to confirm the executor. Information about the estate is collected, including assets (property, bank accounts, shares) and any debts.
2. Publish a notice of intention
Before applying, a notice must be published to allow creditors or other interested parties time to come forward.
3. Apply for probate
The application is prepared and lodged with the Supreme Court of Queensland, including supporting documents such as the executor’s affidavit and details of the estate.
4. Grant of Probate and estate administration
Once approved, the Court issues a Grant of Probate. The executor can then collect assets, pay debts, and distribute the estate according to the will.
How we compare to other probate options in Queensland
When comparing probate options in Queensland, the main differences are cost, transparency, and legal oversight. Cheaper providers often focus on document preparation, while traditional firms typically charge higher, variable fees.
Fulljames Law offers fixed-fee probate in Queensland, handled by a dedicated probate team and trusted by executors across QLD. With clear pricing and no hidden costs, you get certainty from start to finish.
|
Option
|
Cost
|
What you get
|
|---|---|---|
|
Cheapest Online Providers
|
$1100
|
Lawyer Stamped, Document Preparation
|
|
Traditional Law Firms
|
$1800 - $3000+
|
Lawyer-led, charging hourly
|
|
Fulljames Law
|
$1485
|
Lawyer-led, fixed fee
|
When we’re the right choice
- you want a fixed, predictable cost
- you want probate handled properly by a lawyer
- you don’t want the cheapest “document-only” service
When we may not be the best fit
- you are only looking for the absolute cheapest probate provider
- you are expecting a simple fixed-fee probate to cover complex or disputed estate issues
Our Simple, Affordable Probate Services
Our compassionate and knowledgeable team provide personalised services to ensure your loved one’s estate is managed with care and efficiency.
Grant of Probate
Supreme Court of Queensland's official recognition of a will.-
Initial consultation with lawyer
-
Review of Death Certificate and Will
-
Advice about appropriate person to apply
-
Overview of administration and distribution process
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Executor’s Checklist
-
Preparation of court documents
-
Arrange advertising of publications
Advertising of passing as required by Supreme Court.
-
Lodgement of court documents
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Store estate information incl. original documents
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Lodgement Fees
Letters of Administration
Letters of Administration are granted by a Court to appoint appropriate people to deal with an estate where there is no Will or the Will is not sufficient..-
Initial consultation with lawyer
-
Review of Death Certificate
-
Advice about appropriate person to apply
-
Overview of administration and distribution process
-
Legal Personal Representative’s Checklist
-
Preparation of court documents
-
Arrange advertising of publications
Advertising of passing as required by Supreme Court.
-
Lodgement of court documents
-
Store estate information incl. original documents
-
Lodgement Fees
Grant of Reseal Forms
Reseal your Grant of Probate.-
Initial consultation with lawyer
-
Review of Grant from other jurisdiction
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Advice about application for reseal
-
Overview QLD administration & distribution process
-
Legal Personal Representative’s Checklist
-
Preparation of court documents
-
Arrange advertising of publications
Advertising of passing as required by Supreme Court.
-
Lodgement of court documents
-
Store estate information incl. original documents
-
Lodgement Fees
Other Estate Matters We Can Help With
Probate is only one part of managing an estate. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need one of the services below:
- Estate Administration in Queensland – helping you manage and distribute the estate after probate is granted
- Estate Litigation (Contesting a Will) – helping resolve estate disputes, including family provision claims
- Wills & Estate Planning – preparing or updating your will to protect your assets and avoid future
Select a service below to learn more:
Other Legal Services
We also assist clients with a range of other legal matters – Explore our additional services:
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Phone: (07) 2112 4689
Email: enquiries@fulljameslaw.com.au
Mailing Address: Suite 1440, Shop 1, 738 Creek Rd Mt Gravatt East QLD 4122.
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Fulljames Law Pty Ltd
ABN: 59 653 434 774
Liability limited by a scheme approved by professional standards legislation.