Do-it-yourself PROBATE

ACT Probate Applications

Key information about filing for probate in The Australian Capital Territory.

Can the application be submitted by post?

Yes. Applications in the ACT can be done by post. A search of the Court records must be conducted by a person appointed by the applicant. That person must visit the Registry and then sign an Affidavit of Search. The applicant must include an Affidavit of Search along with their signed application when posting.

Probate filing fees (as at 1 July 2021):
The probate filing fee is:

Nil for estates with a gross value below $50,000

$976.00 for estates with a gross value between $50,000 and $250,000

$1,233.00 for estates with a gross value between $250,000 and $500,000

$1,864.00 for estates with a gross value between $500,000 and $1,000,000

$2,481.00 for estates with a gross value above $1,000,000.

Approximate time to the issue of the grant of probate:
1 week from receipt of the application for straightforward grants of probate. More complicated cases may take longer.

Is a legal notice required to be published?
Yes. A notice of your intention to apply for a grant of probate must be published in the Canberra Times.

Are you required to submit an inventory of assets and liabilities?
Yes. A estimate of the value of the assets and liabilities of the deceased at the time of death is required to be submitted to the Probate Registry.