Pricing FAQs: How Much Does a Will Cost in Australia?
When planning for the future, one of the most common questions people ask is: How much does a Will cost in Australia?
At Tactical Legal Solutions (TLS), we believe that protecting your family’s future should not come with financial surprises. Legal fees should be transparent, predictable, and reflect the value of the advice you receive.
Whether you need a straightforward Will or comprehensive estate planning for a more complex family or business structure, understanding the likely costs helps you make informed decisions with confidence.
This guide explains the typical cost of preparing a Will and other estate planning documents in Australia, with a particular focus on what you can expect when working with a Wills and Estates Accredited Specialist lawyer in Perth.
What Determines the Cost of a Will in Australia?
The total estate planning cost in Perth varies based on one primary factor: the complexity of your personal, financial, and family situation. No two estates are identical, and a one-size-fits-all approach often leaves families vulnerable to future legal disputes.
An estate planning lawyer evaluates several elements to determine your pricing:
| Family Dynamics | Are you part of a blended family? Do you have minor children who require guardianship clauses? |
| Asset Structures | Do you own business entities, corporate structures, private companies, or operate discretionary/family trusts or self-managed super funds (SMSFs)? |
| Distribution Choices | Are you leaving straightforward gifts, or do you need to set up protective frameworks like testamentary trusts or beneficiary support trusts? |
On average, a legally sound, professionally drafted will in Australia ranges from $770 to $1,650+ for an individual simple will, while complex or blended family estate plans involving testamentary trusts typically range from $3,000 to $5,000+.
Fixed Fee Will vs. Hourly Legal Fees: Which is Better?
The traditional legal model relies on billable hours, which can leave clients feeling anxious every time the phone rings. At TLS, we champion transparency. We choose to offer a fixed fee framework wherever possible rather than unpredictable hourly billing.
Why Choose Fixed-Fee Legal Pricing?
Cost Certainty: You know exactly what your total price will be before any work begins.
Open Communication: You can ask questions, clarify legal terms, and review drafts with your lawyer without worrying about an escalating invoice.
Defined Scope: The inclusion of amendments, consultations, and final executions are outlined clearly from day one.
Estate Planning Cost Breakdown in Perth
To give you a clear understanding of standard estate planning fees in Australia, and specifically Perth, the table below outlines the estimated price ranges for essential estate planning documents in the Western Australian market.
| Service Type | Estimated Price Range (Fixed Fee) | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Individual Will | $770 – $1,650 | Individuals with straightforward assets, direct beneficiaries, and no complex business structures. |
| Simple Couples / Mirror Wills | $990 – $2,200 | Partners with shared intentions, straightforward asset distributions, and direct beneficiaries. |
| Smarter / Testamentary Trust Will | $3,850 – $5,500+ | Blended families, business owners, or those seeking asset protection and tax-minimisation strategies. |
| Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) / Enduring Power of Guardianship (EPG) | $330 – $660 each | Anyone wishing to appoint a trusted individual to manage financial and legal affairs if they lose capacity. |
Simple vs. Smarter Wills
A simple Will handles direct asset transfers to a spouse, partner, or children. However, if you require specialised asset protection, asset separation for blended families, or tax-effective structures for your beneficiaries, you will need a custom-tailored estate strategy. Learn more about choosing the right framework on our dedicated Wills and Estate Planning Service Page.
Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) / Enduring Power of Guardianship (EPG) Cost & Bundled Packages
Estate planning is not just about what happens after you pass away; it is also about protecting yourself while you are alive. The enduring power of attorney and enduring power of guardianship cost reflects the preparation of a critical document that authorises a chosen representative to manage your financial decisions (EPA) and your medical/lifestyle decisions (EPG) if you lose capacity.
To help clients save on administrative and legal overheads, we frequently bundle Wills, EPAs, and Enduring Powers of Guardianship into structured estate planning packages. Explore how these protective documents operate together on our Enduring Powers of Attorney Page.
Deceased Estates: Probate Lawyer Cost & Court Filing Fees in WA
When a loved one passes away, the legal focus shifts from estate planning to estate administration. Executors are frequently tasked with obtaining a Supreme Court grant before they can manage or distribute assets.
How Much is Probate in WA?
If you are wondering how much is probate in WA, the total cost comprises two parts: professional legal fees and mandatory government disbursements.
Letters of Administration Fees Explained
If an individual passes away without leaving a valid Will, or if the named executor is unable to act, the family must apply for Letters of Administration instead of Probate.
Because this process requires extensive background checks, searches, and specialised affidavit preparation to prove who is entitled to the estate, letters of administration fees are generally higher than standard probate applications. These applications typically range from $3,950 to $5,500+ plus court filing fees due to the added statutory steps required by Western Australian law. You can view a complete breakdown of these administration requirements on our Probate and Letters of Administration Service Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a DIY will kit cheaper than hiring a will lawyer in Perth?
While a DIY kit costs less upfront (often under $50), it frequently results in significant litigation expenses later on. Minor mistakes in execution, ambiguous phrasing, or failing to address statutory requirements can invalidate the document, leaving your family to handle costly court disputes to resolve your estate.
Who pays the probate lawyer cost in Perth – the executor or the estate?
All legitimate legal expenses, court filing fees, and administration costs incurred while handling a deceased estate are paid directly out of the estate’s assets. While an executor may occasionally pay an upfront filing fee to initiate the process, they are legally entitled to full reimbursement from the estate funds before distributions are made to beneficiaries.
Can I get a fixed fee quote for estate administration?
Yes. For uncontested probate applications and standard letters of administration, we provide a transparent, upfront fixed-fee proposal following an initial review of the deceased’s assets and family tree.
Secure Your Legacy with Transparent Pricing
Understanding how much a will costs in Australia shouldn’t require navigating complex legal jargon or guessing your final bill. At TLS, we are dedicated to providing the Perth community with clear, certain, fixed-fee legal pricing that empowers you to make informed decisions for your family’s future.
Protect your assets, prevent family conflict, and gain absolute peace of mind. Contact the team at TLS today to request a clear, tailored upfront quote for your estate planning or administration needs.
