Probate in NSW

Updated 20 August 2026 · Supreme Court of New South Wales

Probate in New South Wales is granted by the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Filing runs through NSW Online Registry (all probate filing is online). Here's what it costs, how it works, and how long it's currently taking.

Current wait times

2–4 wksClean probate application to grantAs at August 2026
14 daysMandatory online notice period before filingSupreme Court of New South Wales
+4–8 wksTypical delay if a requisition is raisedAs at August 2026

Filing fees

NSW probate filing fees, 2026–27
Estate valueFiling fee
Less than $100,000$0
$100,000 – $250,000$960
$250,000 – $500,000$1,303
$500,000 – $1 million$1,999
$1 million – $2 million$2,663
$2 million – $5 million$4,439
More than $5 million$7,399

Fees are based on the gross value of NSW assets only, at date-of-death values. Publishing the online notice costs $59. See the full NSW cost guide for solicitor fees and total-cost examples.

The NSW process

  1. Publish the online notice of intention

    Filed through the NSW Online Registry. You must then wait 14 days before filing the application.

  2. Prepare the summons, inventory and executor's affidavit

    The inventory lists every NSW asset and liability at date-of-death values. Accuracy here is what avoids requisitions.

  3. File online and pay the filing fee

    Upload the sworn documents and the original will as directed by the registry.

  4. Receive the grant

    The sealed grant arrives electronically. Banks, the titles office and share registries will each want a copy.

Documents and forms

Deadline

Applications filed more than 6 months after death must include an affidavit explaining the delay. Build the 14-day notice period into your timing.

No will?

When there's no valid will, the closest next of kin applies for letters of administration in NSW instead. NSW letters of administration applications currently take a little longer than probate — allow 4–5 weeks for a clean application.

Small estates

No statutory small-estate threshold — but banks release smaller balances without a grant (commonly up to $100,000 at the big four), and solely-owned NSW real estate always needs a grant. Start with Do I need probate? before assuming you need a grant at all.

More NSW guides

Talk to a NSW probate lawyer

Compare fixed-fee quotes from firms that handle NSW grants every week — or browse the directory.

Get fixed-fee probate quotes

Browse the NSW lawyer directory →

Sources