NSW Probate Update – October 2025: Online Applications and Current Processing Times

By CM Lawyers – Conveyancing Specialists in Marrickville, NSW 

As of October 2025, the Supreme Court of NSW continues to process most uncontested probate applications through its Online Registry. The system, introduced in August 2023, has moved the majority of uncontested Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration online, streamlining the process but also introducing new challenges for executors and administrators.

Processing Time for Probate Applications

For the week of 7 October to 10 October 2025, the NSW Supreme Court is processing documents filed on these periods:

• 27 August 2025 to 8 September 2025 for probate, reseal, and letters of administration
• 23 June 2025 to 26 June 2025 for letters of administration
• 20 September 2025 to 26 September 2025 for answers to requisitions for routine matters
• 15 July 2025 to 30 August 2025 for complex applications, such as informal wills, copies of wills, presumption of death, limited purpose grants, or administration applications not being made by the next of kin)
• 9 September 2025 to 22 September 2025 for complex answers to requisitions
• 30 business days from the date of lodgement for exemplifications

Source: NSW Supreme Court Website

The Move to Online Probate

Since 1 August 2023, the NSW Supreme Court has made it mandatory to file and manage  most uncontested probate applications online. This move was decided in an effort to make probate applications more efficient and transparent and reduce delays related to paper-based filings.

Executors and administrators should ensure that documents are complete and correct before submission. They should:

1. Create and maintain an Online Registry account.
2. Upload supporting documents, including the will, death certificate, and inventory of assets and liabilities.
3. Generate affidavits, summons, and other legal documents via the online platform.
4. Monitor the application status and respond to Court requisitions promptly.

While this process has been efficient overall with reference guides from the NSW Supreme Court, and the online system has been going on for two years now, the process might still be confusing and time-consuming for many first-time executors. This is why preparation is key.

Before applying online, executors should ensure that the documents are complete, correct, and compliant with requirements. Check even for the smallest mistakes, such as incorrect names and typos, as these can cause processing delays and requisitions.

How CM Lawyers Can Help

The probate application process can be daunting, especially with the online filing and completion of documents. At CM Lawyers, we help executors and administrators ensure that the probate process goes smoothly.

We guide you through every stage of the process, from the compilation and checking of documents to estate distribution. You can check out the estimated probate journey timeline here.

If you’re preparing to apply for probate, our experienced team can ensure your application is complete, accurate, and ready for online submission. Contact CM Lawyers today so we can discuss more.