ANDREW KALAJZICH will walk from jail today into a world he barely recognises, 25 years after he was convicted for murdering his wife, Megan.

Long gone is the life of luxury he once enjoyed - homes with glittering harbour views, the ear of politicians and businessmen, and an enviable trajectory of power and influence.

Kalajzich, now 71, is expected to be welcomed out of Silverwater jail into the lives of his loved ones, especially adult children Andrew and Michelle.

But as he makes up for lost time with the family he did not see grow up, he is expected to collect the pension - his millions made from business long spent defending his name.

Pippa Kay, related to Kalajzich by marriage, said the former hotelier was looking forward to being reunited with his family.

''He just wants to spend time with his family, and establish life on the outside; it's going to be a very big step for him,'' she told the Herald last night.

''I know he's very excited and certainly feeling a bit nervous, but overall he's just excited.''

Kalajzich's 25-year non-parole period expired in December last year and the State Parole Authority has now formally granted his release, to be served under strict parole conditions for the next three years.

Lindsay Simpson, co-author of the book My Husband, My Killer, believes Kalajzich may have spent the bulk of his fortune defending himself.

A Supreme Court murder trial, a court of criminal appeal challenge, an application for special leave to the High Court and a special judicial inquiry costing more than $3.5 million, all dismissed his protestations of innocence.

''I've never known in all the criminal proceedings I have heard about … anyone who has exhausted the legal avenues in the way that Kalajzich has,'' Ms Simpson said.

Despite the resounding conclusion from all levels of the judicial system that Kalajzich did indeed contract a hitman to murder Megan in January 1986, those around him have remained faithful.

Even his mother-in-law May Carmichael, who lived with the couple at the time of her daughter's death, visited him frequently after his conviction.

Neither of his children have spoken publicly about their father's case but are understood to be looking forward to him returning to their homes.

Kalajzich's son Andrew, who has changed his name to his mother's maiden name, runs a plantation shutters business in Fairlight, while his sister Michelle lives nearby with her husband and children in Manly.