The Basics Of Inheritance Funding

By Kerri Stout


When someone you love dies, their Last Will and Testament is used to determine how their estate and the money or property is divided between beneficiaries. For some people, this process goes fairly quickly. With other people, however, it can take longer, particularly if the will takes longer to go through probate court for certification. In these cases, the financial strain can be eased by receiving inheritance funding.

Beneficiaries, or heirs, are the people who are set to inherit anything of monetary value. An advance of this type involves monetary funds. After the loved one dies, the will can be tied up in probate for weeks or months. During this time, you may experience financial strain. Companies that offer advances on inheritances can help alleviate this strain.

Advances and loans are two forms of financing available. An advance, as the name suggests, is when the company gives an amount of money to you in advance of the release of funds from probate. These types do not accrue interest. Once the court releases funds, the company deducts what it advanced from the inherited funds.

Another type is a loan. The lender provides you with a loan amount that you are approved for based on what you are supposed to inherit. This type can work similar to an advance, but there is one big difference. Lending companies tend to charge interest and may also charge a slew of fees as well.

Filling out an application begins the process. The company will need specific details and documentation about the inheritance and probate process. It will also be necessary to provide information about the probate lawyer. He or she may also be required to turn in some legal documentation from this point, everything will be reviewed.

If approved, the company will tell you how much they are loaning or advancing, along with fees that are being charged. The approval process can take as little as a few days or as long as a few weeks, often depending on the complexity of your case. Be aware that the amount the company approved you for may not be as much as you requested.

Once you have been approved, you will be provided with a contract agreement to review and sign before funds are released to you. Read your agreement completely, paying particular attention to the terms regarding repayment of the loan or advance. These terms will specify if there is a dedicated date for full repayment, in addition to the fees and interest rate that may be charged.

Getting funding on what you will be inheriting can be helpful in taking care of financial needs. It is specifically helpful if there was not a life insurance policy, or when the insurance company is taking too much time to disburse funds. Be sure to read your contract carefully and, if possible, have your lawyer look it over as well.




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