Probate in South Australia
Updated 20 August 2026 · Supreme Court of South Australia
Probate in South Australia is granted by the Supreme Court of South Australia. Filing runs through CourtSA online portal (Probate Registry). Here's what it costs, how it works, and how long it's currently taking.
Current wait times
Filing fees
| Estate value | Filing fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $200,000 | $1,020 |
| $200,001 – $500,000 | $2,038 |
| $500,001 – $1 million | $2,715 |
| More than $1 million | $4,075 |
South Australia's tiered fees (2026–27, from 1 July 2026) are comparatively high at every level — a $300,000 estate pays more here than a $2 million estate pays in Tasmania. See the full SA cost guide for solicitor fees and total-cost examples.
The SA process
Register on CourtSA
Applications are prepared and lodged through the CourtSA civil portal.
Prepare the application and affidavit
The application, executor's affidavit and statement of assets and liabilities are completed and sworn.
Lodge and pay the tiered fee
Upload the documents; the original will is provided to the Probate Registry as directed.
Receive the grant
Clean applications are granted in one to six weeks depending on registry workload.
Documents and forms
- CourtSA probate application
- Executor's affidavit
- Statement of assets and liabilities
- Original will and death certificate
Under the Succession Act 2023 (in force since 1 January 2025), family provision claims must be filed within 6 months of the grant. Pre-2025 guidance about SA law is out of date.
No will?
When there's no valid will, the closest next of kin applies for letters of administration in SA instead. Letters of administration are lodged through the same CourtSA portal with the same fee tiers.
Small estates
No fixed statutory threshold. Banks release smaller balances under their own rules, and the Public Trustee can administer small estates. Start with Do I need probate? before assuming you need a grant at all.
More SA guides
- How to apply for probate in SA — the process in detail
- Cost of probate in SA — fees and fixed quotes
- How long probate takes in SA — current times
- Letters of administration in SA — no-will estates
- Contesting a will in SA — eligibility and the deadline
- SA probate forms — every document, explained
Talk to a SA probate lawyer
Compare fixed-fee quotes from firms that handle SA grants every week — or browse the directory.
Get fixed-fee probate quotesBrowse the SA lawyer directory →
Sources
- Courts Administration Authority SA — probate fees (courts.sa.gov.au)
- CourtSA — probate registry
- Law Handbook SA — deceased estates
- Probate Australia — SA guide