Yes, in some cases, heirs may be able to receive money before an estate is fully settled through an inheritance advance. This can be helpful when probate is moving slowly and the beneficiary needs funds sooner rather than later.

An estate may take time to settle for many reasons. The court may need to validate the will. The executor may need to collect assets, pay debts, handle taxes, sell property, or resolve disagreements among family members. Even when everyone gets along, the process can still take longer than expected.

An inheritance advance allows an heir to access part of their expected inheritance before the probate process is complete. The company providing the advance reviews the estate, the beneficiary’s expected share, and the status of the probate case. If approved, the heir may receive funds sooner, and repayment comes from the inheritance distribution when the estate closes.

This is different from waiting helplessly for months while expenses pile up. For many beneficiaries, early access to funds can help cover emergency bills, housing costs, medical expenses, transportation, debt, or other needs.

Not every estate qualifies, and the amount available depends on the value of the expected inheritance. However, for heirs stuck in a long probate process, an inheritance advance can be a practical solution.