Wills and estates costs at a glance
Below are common fee ranges used by Australian firms. Figures are general guidance only and usually exclude GST and disbursements (e.g., court filing fees, searches and ID verification).
- Standard will: $300–$800
- Couple’s mirror wills: $600–$1,500
- Complex will or testamentary trust: $1,500–$5,000+
- Enduring Power of Attorney or Enduring Guardian: $150–$400 each (package $300–$700)
- Probate (straightforward estate): $1,800–$4,500+ legal fees, plus filing fees and disbursements
- Letters of Administration: $2,500–$6,500+
- Estate administration: $3,000–$10,000+ or $300–$600/hour (complex estates higher)
- Contested estate/family provision claim: $10,000–$200,000+ depending on complexity and length
Note: Court filing fees vary by state/territory and can scale with estate value. Always ask for a written scope, inclusions/exclusions and likely disbursements before you engage a lawyer.
Cost drivers and ways to reduce fees
What affects price most
- Estate complexity: multiple properties, business or SMSF interests, overseas assets
- Number of beneficiaries/executors and their level of agreement
- Trusts or tax structuring (e.g., testamentary trusts)
- Missing documents, unclear wishes or prior DIY forms
- Urgency, tight probate timeframes or court directions
- State/territory-specific filing fees and publication requirements
- Hourly vs fixed-fee model and who will do the work (lawyer vs senior associate/partner)
How to keep costs under control
- Choose a fixed-fee for standard wills, probate or enduring documents
- Provide an asset/liability list, ID, the original will and death certificate early
- Keep executors aligned to avoid scope creep and duplicate instructions
- Ask for staged fees (e.g., application only, then administration)
- Confirm disbursements up-front (filing fees, searches, ID checks)
- Get a written scope and cap for likely work
Documents and information lawyers use to quote
Having these ready helps you get accurate quotes and faster outcomes.
- Photo ID for relevant parties
- Current or last known will (original if available)
- Death certificate (for probate/administration)
- List of assets and liabilities (bank accounts, shares, superannuation, real property, vehicles, debts)
- Details of executors, beneficiaries and any prior family provision issues
- Business/SMSF/trust documents where relevant
Typical services and indicative price ranges
| Service | Typical fee (ex GST & disbursements) |
|---|---|
| Standard will | $300–$800 (fixed fee common) |
| Couple’s mirror wills | $600–$1,500 (bundle pricing common) |
| Complex will/testamentary trust | $1,500–$5,000+ depending on structure |
| Enduring Power of Attorney/Guardian | $150–$400 each or $300–$700 packaged |
| Probate (simple estate) | $1,800–$4,500+ legal fees, plus filing fees |
| Letters of Administration | $2,500–$6,500+ depending on complexity |
| Estate administration | $3,000–$10,000+ or $300–$600/hour |
| Contested estate/family provision | $10,000–$200,000+; costs orders and estate funding vary |
Wills and estates cost FAQ
How much does a wills and estates lawyer cost in Australia?
As a guide (plus GST and disbursements): Standard will $300–$800; Couple’s mirror wills $600–$1,500; Complex or testamentary trust will $1,500–$5,000+; Enduring Power of Attorney or Enduring Guardian $150–$400 each (package $300–$700); Probate (simple estate) $1,800–$4,500+ legal fees, plus filing fees; Letters of Administration $2,500–$6,500+; Estate administration $3,000–$10,000+ or $300–$600/hour; Contested estate $10,000–$200,000+.
Are fixed fees available?
Yes. Fixed fees are common for standard wills, couples’ wills, enduring powers, probate and some letters of administration. Always confirm what is included, excluded and any conditions for variations.
What extra costs should I expect?
Disbursements such as Supreme Court filing fees (vary by state/territory and estate value), advertising/notice fees, searches, certified ID checks, postage/courier and bank cheques are usually added at cost.
How do I keep my costs down?
Bundle fixed-fee services, provide complete documents early, agree a written scope and cap, keep executors aligned, and ask for staged pricing (application first, then administration).
Do I need a lawyer for a will or probate?
No, but professional drafting and filing reduces the risk of invalid documents, delays, tax issues or disputes that can cost far more later.
Can fees be paid from the estate?
Often, yes—particularly for probate, administration and some contested matters (subject to court orders, merits and settlement terms). Confirm the funding approach with your lawyer at the start.
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