Can You Get an Advance on Your Inheritance? Yes, Here's How

Yes, you can get an advance on your inheritance. If you're a beneficiary waiting for an estate to settle, you can receive a portion of your expected inheritance now through an inheritance advance (also called a probate advance). You receive cash in as little as 24-48 hours, with no credit check required and no monthly payments.

Probate often takes 6-18 months or longer. That's a long time to wait if you have bills to pay, debts mounting, or urgent financial needs. An inheritance advance bridges that gap.

How an Inheritance Advance Works

Here's the basic concept: you sell a portion of your future inheritance to a funding company in exchange for immediate cash.

The Process

1. You apply – Provide information about the estate and your inheritance
2. We verify – Confirm the estate is real and you're a legitimate beneficiary
3. You receive a quote – See exactly how much you can receive and what you'll repay
4. You accept – Sign the agreement if the terms work for you
5. You get cash – Receive funds in 24-48 hours via wire transfer or check
6. Estate closes – When probate ends, repayment is made from your share

The key: There are no monthly payments. Repayment only happens when the estate closes. If probate takes 3 months or 3 years, you don't pay anything until then.

Example

• Your expected inheritance: $150,000
• You receive now: $40,000
• Total repayment at closing: $52,000 (30% fee)
• You receive at closing: $98,000 ($150,000 - $52,000)

You get immediate access to cash when you need it, and the cost comes out of your inheritance later.

Why It's Not a Loan

This distinction matters because it affects how the product works:

No Monthly Payments

With a loan, you pay monthly regardless of when your inheritance arrives. With an advance, you pay nothing until the estate closes.

No Interest Accruing

Loans charge interest that compounds over time. An advance has a fixed fee set upfront—it doesn't grow while you wait.

No Credit Check

Loans require good credit. Advances are based on your inheritance, not your creditworthiness.

No Personal Liability

If a loan's collateral falls short, you're still responsible. With most inheritance advances, if the estate can't fully repay, you don't owe the difference personally.

Who Can Get an Inheritance Advance?

You Likely Qualify If:

• You're named in a will as a beneficiary
• You're an heir under state intestacy law (even without a will)
• Probate has been filed (or is about to be)
• The estate has assets to cover your inheritance
• Your inheritance share is substantial enough (typically $15,000+ expected)

You Don't Need:

• Good credit score
• Current income or employment
• Collateral
• A co-signer
• The executor's permission

Common Qualifying Situations

• Named beneficiary in a parent's will
• Inheriting from a spouse's estate
• Heir to a sibling's or grandparent's estate
• Beneficiary of a trust that's in administration
• Inheriting through intestate succession (no will)

What You Can Use the Money For

There are no restrictions. Common uses include:

• Funeral expenses – Cover burial costs before the estate can pay
• Living expenses – Mortgage, rent, utilities, groceries
• Debt payoff – Clear credit card balances or other debts
• Medical bills – Pay healthcare costs that can't wait
• Legal fees – Fund estate-related attorneys or other legal needs
• Home repairs – Fix urgent problems with property you're inheriting
• Business needs – Keep your business running or invest in opportunities
• Travel – Visit family or handle estate matters in another state

How Much Can You Get?

Typically, you can receive 20-50% of your expected net inheritance.

The exact amount depends on:

• How certain your inheritance is
• How long probate is expected to take
• Estate complexity and potential issues
• Company policies and minimums

Minimums: Most companies have minimums of $5,000-$15,000 for the advance amount.

What It Costs

Inheritance advances have a one-time fee, typically ranging from 15% to 40% of the advance amount.

What Affects the Fee:

• Probate timeline – Longer expected wait = higher fee
• Estate complexity – More issues = higher fee
• Certainty of inheritance – Less certain = higher fee
• Company – Different companies have different pricing

No Hidden Costs

With reputable companies:

• No application fees
• No processing fees
• No monthly payments
• No penalty if probate takes longer
• No personal liability if estate is short

How Long Until You Get Money?

Once approved, funding is fast:

• Application: 15-30 minutes
• Document review: 1-3 business days
• Quote and agreement: Same day as approval
• Funding: 24-48 hours after signing

Total timeline: Most people receive funds within 3-5 days of starting the application.

Common Questions

Does the executor need to approve?

No. You have the right to sell or assign your inheritance interest without the executor's permission. The executor will be notified and involved in repayment at closing, but they can't block your advance.

What if there's a will contest?

Will contests make advances more complicated. Some companies will still provide funding (at higher fees reflecting the risk), while others may wait for the contest to resolve. Every situation is different.

What if I don't end up inheriting as much as expected?

The advance company takes on this risk. If your inheritance is reduced by estate debts, taxes, or other claims, repayment is limited to what you actually receive. You typically don't owe the difference personally.

Will this affect other beneficiaries?

No. Your advance only involves your share. Other beneficiaries receive their full inheritance as normal.

Is it available in all states?

Yes, inheritance advances are available in all 50 states, though some states have specific regulations that may affect terms.

Can I get more than one advance?

Possibly. If you initially take a smaller advance and later need more, you may be able to get an additional advance on your remaining share.

Alternatives to Consider

Before getting an advance, consider whether other options might work:

Request a Partial Distribution

Ask the executor if they can make an early distribution from the estate. This requires:

• Sufficient liquid assets in the estate
• No pending creditor claims
• Agreement from other beneficiaries
• No legal barriers

Pros: No cost to you Cons: Often not possible; executor may refuse

Personal Loan

If you have good credit and steady income, a personal loan might have lower total cost.

Pros: Potentially lower cost if you have excellent credit Cons: Requires credit check; monthly payments; may not qualify

Borrow from Family

A family member might be willing to lend money until your inheritance arrives.

Pros: Potentially no cost or low cost Cons: May create family tension; not everyone has this option

Wait

If your financial need isn't urgent, waiting for probate to close avoids any fees.

Pros: No cost Cons: Only works if you can actually wait

When an Inheritance Advance Makes Sense

An advance is often the right choice when:

• You have urgent expenses that can't wait
• You don't qualify for traditional credit or don't want to take on more debt
• Probate will take a long time (12+ months)
• The alternative is worse (high-interest credit cards, payday loans, defaulting)
• You need cash without monthly payments to maintain during probate
• Peace of mind is valuable – removing financial stress during grief

How to Get Started

Getting an inheritance advance is straightforward:

1. Gather basic information: Death certificate, copy of will (if available), probate case number
2. Contact us: Call or apply online
3. Answer questions: About the estate and your inheritance
4. Receive a quote: See your options with no obligation
5. Decide: Accept if it works for you
6. Get funded: Cash in 24-48 hours