Probate in Victoria
Updated 20 August 2026 · Supreme Court of Victoria
Probate in Victoria is granted by the Supreme Court of Victoria. Filing runs through RedCrest-Probate (e-filing has been mandatory since November 2024). Here's what it costs, how it works, and how long it's currently taking.
Current wait times
Filing fees
| Estate value | Filing fee |
|---|---|
| Less than $250,000 | $0 |
| $250,000 – $500,000 | $544 |
| $500,000 – $1 million | $1,088 |
| $1 million – $2 million | $2,538.70 |
| $2 million – $3 million | $5,077.40 |
| $3 million – $5 million | $7,598.80 |
| $5 million – $7 million | $12,693.40 |
| More than $7 million | $17,770.80 |
Victoria's tiers rise steeply for large estates — the top tier is the most expensive filing fee in Australia. Advertising the notice via RedCrest costs $38. See the full VIC cost guide for solicitor fees and total-cost examples.
The VIC process
Advertise the intended application on RedCrest-Probate
The online advertisement replaces the old newspaper notice. Wait 14 days before filing.
Prepare the online application
RedCrest-Probate builds the application from your answers: originating motion, inventory of assets and liabilities, and the affidavit.
File electronically and pay the fee
Upload supporting documents; the original will is posted or delivered to the Probate Office as directed.
Receive the grant
Clean applications are currently granted about five days after lodgment — the fastest registry in the country.
Documents and forms
- RedCrest-Probate online advertisement
- Originating motion (generated in RedCrest)
- Affidavit in support
- Inventory of assets and liabilities
- Original will and death certificate
If you apply more than 3 years after the death, the registrar requires an explanation for the delay. The 14-day advertising period is the practical clock to start early.
No will?
When there's no valid will, the closest next of kin applies for letters of administration in VIC instead. Letters of administration follow the same RedCrest-Probate process and similar timeframes.
Small estates
Estates under $250,000 pay no filing fee at all in Victoria. Banks still apply their own release thresholds, and the registrar offers small-estates assistance under the Administration and Probate Act 1958. Start with Do I need probate? before assuming you need a grant at all.
More VIC guides
- How to apply for probate in VIC — the process in detail
- Cost of probate in VIC — fees and fixed quotes
- How long probate takes in VIC — current times
- Letters of administration in VIC — no-will estates
- Contesting a will in VIC — eligibility and the deadline
- VIC probate forms — every document, explained
Talk to a VIC probate lawyer
Compare fixed-fee quotes from firms that handle VIC grants every week — or browse the directory.
Get fixed-fee probate quotesBrowse the VIC lawyer directory →
Sources
- Supreme Court of Victoria — Probate Office fees (supremecourt.vic.gov.au)
- RedCrest-Probate user guide
- VIC probate fees 2026–27 (nationalprobate.com.au/vic/probate/costs)
- Probate Consultants — VIC processing times