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How long does probate take in QLD?

Updated 20 August 2026 · 5 minute read

As at August 2026, the Supreme Court of Queensland is granting clean probate applications in 4–8 weeks. That's the registry's part — the full timeline from death to money moving is longer, and mostly sits outside the court.

The numbers right now

4–8 wksFiling to grant (clean applications)As at August 2026
14 daysMandatory QLR advertising period before filingSupreme Court of Queensland
2–4 wksDeath certificate from BDM before anything startsAll states

The full QLD timeline

  1. Weeks 0–4: death certificate and paperwork

    BDM issues the certificate after the funeral director lodges the registration; banks provide date-of-death balances for the inventory.

  2. Then: the notice period

    Advertise the notice of intention in the Queensland Law Reporter, wait 14 days, and serve a copy on the Public Trustee at least 7 days before filing.

  3. Filing to grant: 4–8 weeks

    The registry examines the application and issues the sealed grant if everything is in order.

  4. After the grant: releasing assets

    Banks typically release funds 1–3 weeks after receiving the grant; property transmissions take longer. Many executors then wait out the family provision window — 9 months from the date of death to file (with written notice to the executor within 6 months) in QLD — before final distribution.

The delay to avoid

A requisition — the registry querying an error — typically adds 4–8 weeks in every state. Inventory mistakes are the top cause. Get the numbers right the first time, or pay someone who does this weekly.

Want the QLD grant lodged clean the first time?

Fixed-fee firms know each registry and its quirks. Quotes in one business day.

Get fixed-fee probate quotes
Can the QLD registry expedite?

Genuine urgency — a property settlement, a business payroll — can be raised with the registry with evidence. Routine impatience can't.

When do beneficiaries actually get paid?

Commonly 6–12 months from death for full distribution, once the grant, debts, tax and the family provision window are all dealt with.

Where do I see the process itself?

How to apply in QLD — every step and document.

Sources

  • Queensland Courts — wills and probate (courts.qld.gov.au)
  • Queensland Law Reporter — probate advertising
  • QLD Supreme Court filing fees 2026–27 (astrislaw.com)
  • ezyWill — QLD probate timeframes