Probate and deceased estates

Probate is the Supreme Court of Queensland’s official recognition of a will as legally valid.

A grant of probate is a Supreme Court document that recognises someone’s authority to deal with the estate of a person who has passed away. Probate is often needed before the executor of a deceased estate can take control of the estate’s assets (administer the estate).

Read more about wills and probate.

What a grant does

Executors and administrators of deceased estates must be authorised to administer the estate before they deal with the estate assets—a grant gives that authority.

Read more about probate and grants.

Applying for probate

The process for getting a grant to administer an estate can be complicated. If you wish, you can engage a solicitor or the Public Trustee to apply for you.

There are 5 basic steps to apply for a grant of probate, grant of letters of administration of the will and grant of letters of administration on intestacy.