Wills & estates cost guide · Updated May 2026
Simple will $440–$1,200. Mirror wills $660–$1,800. Uncontested probate $2,200–$6,500. Contested estate matters $25,000–$150,000+ depending on complexity.
Wills and estate matters are relatively predictable when uncontested. The cost spike comes when an estate is contested under family provision laws or where a will’s validity is challenged.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Simple will (one beneficiary, standard estate) | $440–$1,200 | Most established firms |
| Mirror wills (couple, similar terms) | $660–$1,800 | Both wills |
| Will with testamentary trust | $1,800–$4,500 | Tax-effective structures |
| Power of Attorney (financial) | $220–$650 | Separate document |
| Enduring guardianship | $220–$650 | Separate document |
| Advance care directive | $0–$300 | Available free in some states |
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncontested grant of probate (simple estate) | $2,200–$4,500 | + filing fee |
| Uncontested probate (medium complexity) | $4,500–$6,500 | Multiple assets |
| Letters of administration (no will) | $2,800–$5,500 | + filing fee |
| Estate administration (full) | $5,500–$15,000 | For 12-18 month admin |
| Court filing fee (probate) NSW | $769 | Scales by estate value |
| Court filing fee (probate) VIC | $391–$2,400 | Scaled to estate |
Where an estate is contested — whether through a family provision claim, a will validity challenge, or a dispute between executors and beneficiaries — costs escalate substantially. Typical figures (combined, both sides):
Family provision claim, settled at mediation: $25,000–$65,000 combined (8–15% of estate)
Family provision claim, final hearing: $80,000–$250,000+ combined (15–40% of estate)
Will validity challenge (no capacity, undue influence): $40,000–$180,000+
Executor / beneficiary dispute: $15,000–$120,000+ depending on issues
In family provision claims, costs are often paid out of the estate where the applicant had reasonable prospects of success — but this is not automatic and unsuccessful claimants can find themselves personally liable for large costs orders. See contesting a will in Australia.
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