Hi, my father passed away almost 2 years ago and I have to…

Hi, my father passed away almost 2 years ago and I have to admit, by my own negligence, I’ve lost my father’s original will during the whole traumatic ordeal. I have turned the house inside out to find the original will, but no such luck.

I have several copies of the will (which means nothing apparently) AND a certified copy I managed to get from the bank - but have been told that this will not suffice either.

I’ve contacted the solicitor that my father used to write up his will and she suggested starting a case in the probate court to get the certified copy of the will "certified" – She quoted between $25,000 -$30,000 to get this done. This sounds absolutely ridiculous or is this what I should be expecting to pay? Is it really such a complex case? It sounds excessive.

The house is paid in full and I have no intention of selling it, just to transfer into my name. What are actual steps involved in getting this sorted and getting the certified will "certified" as a valid document?

I'm in Queensland so I've been advised by a legal forum member that Queensland Succession Act will apply. I've read the section on lost wills see (page 44 and 45, Division 7 section 33z) but don't really know what to do with it.

I’m the executor and sole beneficiary of the estate, and I am the only living family left so no one would be contesting this will.

Any advise will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.