Updated September 2026· Independently researched·8 min read
Geelong wills & estates lawyer fees in 2026 (professional fees, ex GST): will drafting $280–$1,150, probate application $1,400–$4,700, estate administration $2,800–$14,500 and contesting a will $23,500–$37,500.
What it costs in 2026 to have a will drafted, apply for probate, administer an estate or contest a will, and which of those fees usually come out of the estate rather than your pocket.
Quick answerGeelong wills & estates lawyer fees in 2026 (professional fees, ex GST): will drafting $280–$1,150, probate application $1,400–$4,700, estate administration $2,800–$14,500 and contesting a will $23,500–$37,500. Get free Geelong quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Geelong 2026
Tier
Typical professional fee (ex GST)
Basis
Simple will
$280–$560
Per document
Standard will with enduring power of attorney
$560–$1,150
Per package
Complex will with testamentary trust
$1,900–$4,700
Per package
Probate application and estate administration
$1,400–$14,500
Per estate
Contesting a will (family provision claim)
$23,500–$37,500
Per matter
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Complexity of the will: blended families, business interests and testamentary trusts move a $400 will to $2,000+
Estate size for probate and administration; solicitor fees are scaled to assets in several states
Whether the estate is disputed; a family provision claim runs $25,000-$40,000 including court fees
Hourly rate of $250-$650 for anything not offered as a fixed fee
Bundling: many firms include an enduring power of attorney or appointment of enduring guardian with the will
Solicitor, online will or Public Trustee?
Use a solicitor where there is property, a business, a blended family, overseas assets or any chance the will is challenged.
A single person with modest assets and a simple wish can use a low-cost online will; be aware Public Trustee 'free' wills are recovered through commission on the estate.
How to keep the cost sane
1
Get the will fee fixed in writing and ask whether storage, updates and execution are extra
2
For probate, ask whether the firm charges a fixed fee, hourly, or the state scale
3
Will-contest deadlines are strict (as short as six months from probate in some states): get advice before the clock runs
This guide is general information, not advice. Figures are typical ranges compiled from published Australian sources in 2026 and are not a quote; confirm fees with the provider before engaging them. This page is general information, not legal advice. Professional fees are exclusive of GST; court and tribunal filing fees, government charges and disbursements are separate and are not included in any band above. Hourly figures are market ranges, not a scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a will cost with a lawyer?
A simple solicitor-drafted will is typically $300 to $600 plus GST; a standard will with power of attorney $600 to $1,200; complex estates with testamentary trusts $2,000 to $5,000 or more.
How much does probate cost?
Solicitor fees for a probate application generally run $1,500 to $5,000, with full estate administration ranging up to about $15,500 on large estates under state scales. Court filing fees are extra.
Who pays the lawyer when someone dies?
Probate and administration fees are usually paid from the estate, not by the executor personally.
How much does it cost to contest a will?
A family provision claim commonly costs $25,000 to $40,000 including court fees and GST. Many firms act no-win-no-fee, and settlement terms usually have costs paid from the estate.
What is a wills and estates lawyer's hourly rate?
$250 to $650 plus GST in 2026 depending on seniority and location.
Do I need to update my will?
After marriage, separation, children, a new business or a significant asset change. Updates are typically charged at a reduced fixed fee.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, marketplaces, peak industry body data, and individual provider websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our price guides are produced independently. Pricing is compiled from public quotes, industry rate guides, and marketplace data, and no provider can influence a published figure. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed September 2026. Read our full methodology →