It was endowed with all the common law and probate jurisdiction of the courts of Westminster.

Parker practised at the Sydney Bar in the equity and probate jurisdictions from 1900.

Also, probate jurisdiction varies depending on the existence of a statutory probate court in the county.

In addition, particular judges may be designated to sit in the probate jurisdiction or assigned case management functions in respect of long and complex trials.

The Chapter Court deals with the admission to office of churchwardens, and may hear presentments against clergy or churchwardens; its former probate jurisdiction was transferred to the High Court in 1884.

A minor frequently defends a suit, not by a next friend, but by a guardian ad litem often appointed by the court with jurisdiction over the case or a court with probate jurisdiction.