Can You Get Your Inheritance Early?

Options for accessing inheritance before probate closes

When a loved one passes away, the financial reality can be harsh. Funeral costs hit immediately. Mortgage payments don't pause. Medical bills, credit card debt, and everyday expenses keep coming. Meanwhile, your inheritance — money that's legally yours — sits locked in a probate process that could take months or years.

The question "Can I get my inheritance early?" is one of the most common things heirs search for. The short answer: yes, there are options — though each comes with different trade-offs. Here's an honest look at what's available.

Option 1: Ask the executor for an early distribution

In some states and under certain circumstances, the executor or administrator of the estate may be able to petition the court for a partial distribution to heirs before probate is fully complete. This is most feasible when the estate's debts are clearly manageable, there are sufficient liquid assets, and all heirs agree.

However, this option has limitations. Many executors are reluctant to make early distributions because they can be held personally liable if the estate later turns out to have insufficient funds. It also typically requires court approval, which takes time. And if any heir objects, the request is unlikely to be granted. This is a conversation to have with the estate attorney — they can advise whether it's realistic for your specific situation.

Option 2: Personal loan

Some heirs consider taking out a personal loan to bridge the gap. This is a straightforward option if you have good credit and stable income, but it comes with significant drawbacks: monthly payments start immediately, interest accrues, and you're personally liable for repayment regardless of what happens with the estate. If probate takes longer than expected, you'll be carrying that debt — and its costs — for the duration.

Option 3: Inheritance advance

An inheritance advance gives you immediate cash — typically within 48 hours — in exchange for a portion of your future inheritance. Unlike a personal loan, there's no credit check, no monthly payments, and no personal liability. The advance company is repaid directly from the estate when probate closes. If the estate doesn't produce enough, you owe nothing.

The trade-off is cost: the advance company charges a fee (the difference between what they pay you now and what they receive from the estate later), which is typically higher than interest on a traditional loan. However, many heirs find the certainty, speed, and zero-risk structure worth the cost — especially when they need funds immediately and don't want to take on personal debt.

Option 4: Borrowing from family or friends

Some heirs borrow from family members with the understanding that they'll repay when the inheritance comes through. This can work well in close families, but it can also create tension — especially if probate takes longer than expected or if the inheritance amount is different from what was anticipated.

Which option is right for you?

There's no single right answer. It depends on the size and complexity of the estate, how urgently you need funds, your current financial situation, and your comfort level with different types of risk. We'd encourage you to understand all your options before making a decision.

If you'd like to explore whether an inheritance advance makes sense for your situation, we're happy to walk you through the numbers — with zero obligation and zero pressure. Get a free quote or call us at (800) 617-7260.