Probate can take months or even years. A probate cash advance gives you immediate access to a portion of your inheritance while the legal process plays out — no loans, no credit checks, no risk.
Probate exists to protect everyone involved — heirs, creditors, and the court itself. But that protection comes at a cost: time. The average probate takes 9 to 24 months, and many estates stretch well beyond that. Understanding why can help you plan around it.
Mandatory creditor periods. Every state requires a waiting period for creditors to file claims — typically 3 to 6 months. Nothing can be distributed until this window closes. In some states, like Pennsylvania, creditors have a full year.
Real estate complications. If the estate includes a house, it often needs to be appraised, maintained, and sold. Court approval may be required. Property sales during probate can take 4-8 months by themselves, on top of other delays.
Court backlogs. Many probate courts — especially in major metros like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago — have significant case backlogs. Hearings may be scheduled months out.
Tax and accounting. The executor must file final income tax returns and, for larger estates, estate tax returns. IRS processing times add months. Any audit triggers further delay.
Disputes. A single objection — from a disgruntled heir, a creditor, or someone contesting the will — can freeze the entire estate for months or years.
A probate advance lets you access a portion of your inheritance now instead of waiting for the process to finish. You assign a share of your expected distribution to the advance company in exchange for immediate cash. When probate closes, the company is repaid from the estate — not from you. There are no credit checks, no monthly payments, and no personal liability. If the estate produces less than expected, you owe nothing.
Most advances are funded within 24 to 48 hours. The cost is a flat fee disclosed upfront — it never increases regardless of how long probate takes. Learn more about how the process works.
| Probate Advance | Waiting for Probate | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to access funds | 24–48 hours | 9–24+ months |
| Credit check required | No | N/A |
| Monthly payments | None | N/A |
| Interest charges | None — flat fee | N/A |
| Personal liability | None — non-recourse | N/A |
| Risk if estate falls short | Company absorbs loss | You receive less |
It depends on the state, the estate's complexity, and whether there are disputes. Simple estates in fast states may close in 6-9 months. Complex estates or contested cases can take 2-5 years. See our probate timeline guide for state-specific estimates.
Generally, probate needs to be filed or at least in process. Contact us once the petition is filed — we may be able to help immediately.
We work with all types — testate (with a will), intestate (without), estates with real estate, liquid assets, or a combination. Both simple and complex estates can qualify.
No. Your advance comes from your share only. Other heirs' portions remain completely unaffected.
No. You have the legal right to assign a portion of your expected inheritance. We do work with the estate attorney to verify your share.
Estates with real estate commonly qualify. Real estate may take time to sell, but that doesn't prevent you from getting an advance now.
Get a free, no-obligation quote in minutes. Call us or fill out our simple form.