Who pays the legal fees of contesting a will in NSW?

If your claim is successful, the court may order the estate to cover the costs, which would amount to about 70% of your solicitor costs. You will need to pay the remaining 30% of your costs yourself.

However, if the claim is unsuccessful, you may be required to pay both your own legal costs and those of the estate.

The judge has the discretion to make orders regarding fees as they see fit, and in some cases, the court may cap the costs payable by the estate or any party involved.