How to Apply for Probate in Tasmania: Step-by-Step Guide
Have a question about this? Ask the Guide → the chat widget at the bottom-right of this page can answer it. Reading time: 6 minutes | The Executor’s Guide — Plain English. Step by step. Written for the person who just found out.
In Tasmania, probate is granted by the Supreme Court of Tasmania. The process is straightforward for most estates and can be handled without a solicitor in uncomplicated cases. This guide covers the full process from start to grant.
Do You Need Probate?
Probate is required in Tasmania when: the deceased owned real property (land or house) in their sole name; a financial institution requires it to release funds (most Tasmanian banks require probate for accounts above approximately $50,000); or shares and managed investments are held solely.
Probate is generally not required when: all assets are jointly owned (they pass by survivorship); the estate consists only of small bank balances; or superannuation is paid directly to a nominated beneficiary.
Step 1 — Advertise Your Intention to Apply
Before lodging a probate application in Tasmania, you must advertise your intention to apply. Advertise in the Tasmanian Government Gazette (gazette.tas.gov.au). After the advertisement is published, you must wait 14 days before lodging your application. Keep a copy of the gazette advertisement — you will need to include it with your application.
Step 2 — Prepare Your Application Documents
The Tasmanian probate application requires the following documents:
- The original will (not a copy)
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Affidavit of the Executor — sworn or affirmed statement confirming your identity, your role, that the will is valid, and that the deceased died domiciled in Tasmania
- Inventory of Assets and Liabilities — a complete list of all assets with their values as at date of death, and all liabilities
- Copy of the gazette advertisement confirming your intention to apply
- Filing fee payment (calculated on the gross value of the estate)
Forms are available from the Supreme Court of Tasmania website at supremecourt.tas.gov.au. The court also publishes a probate guide for self-represented executors.
Step 3 — Lodge With the Supreme Court of Tasmania
Lodge your completed application at the Supreme Court of Tasmania Registry in Hobart (Salamanca Place). The court also accepts lodgements at the Launceston and Devonport registries.
Court address: Supreme Court of Tasmania, 6 Salamanca Place, Hobart TAS 7000.
Phone: (03) 6165 6800.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Step 4 — Processing Time and Grant
Once lodged, the Tasmanian Supreme Court typically processes uncomplicated probate applications within 4 to 8 weeks. The court will issue a Grant of Probate once satisfied the application is in order. If the court requires any corrections or additional information, they will issue a requisition — respond to these promptly to avoid delays.
Step 5 — Use the Grant
Once the Grant of Probate is issued, make certified copies (the court will certify copies on request — you will need 6 to 10). Use the grant to deal with financial institutions, the Land Titles Office (for property transfers), share registries, and other asset holders. Each institution will retain a copy of the grant.
Filing Fees
Tasmanian probate filing fees are calculated on the gross value of the estate. Current fee schedules are available at the Supreme Court of Tasmania website. Check before lodging — fees are updated periodically and the correct fee must be paid at the time of lodgement.
When to Use a Solicitor
Self-representation is possible for straightforward Tasmanian estates. Consider engaging a Tasmanian solicitor when: the will is contested; the estate includes complex property interests; there are multiple states or countries involved; or the estate is insolvent. The Law Society of Tasmania can provide referrals at lawtas.com.au.
The Executor’s Guide provides general information about estate administration in Australia. It is not legal advice. Always check the current Supreme Court of Tasmania requirements before lodging your application, as processes and fees change.
Related guides
- Do I Need Probate? A Plain-English Guide
- What Is an Executor?
- Executor Duties in Australia: The Complete Legal Guide
- What to Do When Someone Dies in Australia
If you are applying for a grant yourself, the Complete Executor’s Handbook covers probate and the rest of the estate step by step, in one place.
Get the Complete Handbook (A$79)Or get the free checklist