New Probate Filing Fees for Executors in Victoria – Effective 18 November 2024 

The Supreme Court of Victoria has announced it will be changing probate filing and letters of administration fees for deceased estates from 18 November 2024. 

The changes are significant, particularly for estates valued over $2 million. You can access a table of the new fees here.

While banks typically release funds from a deceased person’s account to cover funeral expenses, at this stage this does not extend to probate filing fees. We recognise that increased upfront costs may add to the burden on executors and loved ones during an already challenging time, and it may discourage some people from taking on the role of executor.

The team at Aintree Group Legal are here to provide support, and we will work closely with clients on a case-by-case basis to ensure these new obligations are handled in a way that suits your unique estate administration needs and family circumstances. 

We are also establishing a clear procedure for managing and processing probate fees for our Aintree Group Legal clients to ensure consistency, transparency, and support throughout this process.

Furthermore, we will address these fees early in our discussions with clients who are appointing an executor, ensuring that everyone is aware of this responsibility from the start and can plan accordingly.

This change also highlights the need for thorough and personalised estate planning. We encourage you to reach out to your Aintree Group Legal advisor if you’d like to review or update your Will or Estate Plan, as well as seeking guidance on the process and fees associated with applying for probate. 

Please note, the information in this article is general advice only.