Petition request

That the House of Representatives raise the financial threshold from $15,000 to $25,000 for requiring probate or letters of administration before estate funds can be released by a financial institution.

Petition reason

The current $15,000 threshold was set in 2009. Executors or families must apply to the High Court for probate (of a valid will) or letters of administration (if there is no will or no executor) before they can uplift more than $15,000 from any one financial institution. Most lawyers charge over $1,000 (plus GST) to apply for probate. Many charge more than $2,000. Applicants must also pay the High Court fee of $200. If adjusted for inflation, the threshold would now be at least $20,465.

Petition progress

  • Open for signatures
  • Closed for signatures
  • Select Committee
  • Reported
  • Referred to Minister
Number of signatures: 515
Date presented: 09 Aug 2023
Considered by: Petitions
SC Report(s): 07 May 2024 (Final)
Presenting member: Hon Matt Doocey
Closing date: 16 Jul 2023