Probate in ACT

Updated 20 August 2026 · ACT Supreme Court

Probate in Australian Capital Territory is granted by the ACT Supreme Court. Filing runs through Registry filing with the ACT Supreme Court; probate notices are published on the ACT Courts website. Here's what it costs, how it works, and how long it's currently taking.

Current wait times

4–8 wksFiling to grant (about six weeks is typical)As at August 2026
14 daysOnline notice period before filingACT Supreme Court
14 daysOnline notice period before filingAs at August 2026

Filing fees

ACT probate filing fees, 2026–27
Estate valueFiling fee
Less than $50,000$0
$50,000 – $250,000$1,164
$250,000 – $500,000$1,471
$500,000 – $1 million$2,224
More than $1 million$2,961

Estates under $50,000 pay no filing fee. Publishing the online notice costs about $63. See the full ACT cost guide for solicitor fees and total-cost examples.

The ACT process

  1. Publish the online notice of intention

    The notice runs on the ACT Courts probate notices page; wait 14 days before filing.

  2. Prepare the application

    Originating application, executor's affidavit and the statement of assets and liabilities.

  3. File with the registry and pay the tiered fee

    Documents, the original will and the death certificate are filed with the ACT Supreme Court registry.

  4. Receive the grant

    Allow four to eight weeks for a clean application.

Documents and forms

Deadline

ACT family provision claims must be filed within 6 months of the grant.

No will?

When there's no valid will, the closest next of kin applies for letters of administration in ACT instead. Letters of administration follow the same notice and registry process.

Small estates

Estates under $50,000 pay no court fee, and banks release smaller balances under their own thresholds. Start with Do I need probate? before assuming you need a grant at all.

More ACT guides

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Sources