It’s more common than you think—someone passes away, and out of nowhere, a long-lost relative appears with a claim to the estate. These situations can feel like a dramatic movie plot, but in probate court, they’re all too real.

When someone dies without a will (intestate), the law looks to next-of-kin to determine who inherits. That can include children from a previous marriage, half-siblings, or even distant cousins. If no immediate family is available, estranged relatives—some of whom haven’t spoken to the deceased in decades—may have a legal right to a share.

For families who were close to the deceased, this can feel incredibly unfair. Unfortunately, without a valid will or trust stating otherwise, the law generally favors blood relation over emotional closeness.

At Approved Inheritance Cash, we work with heirs caught in these tense situations. In some cases, inheritance litigation becomes necessary to challenge or protect one’s claim. While the court sorts through the facts, you may still need access to funds for legal support, living expenses, or debt repayment. That’s where we come in—helping heirs unlock a portion of their inheritance early.

To prevent unwanted surprises in the future, proper estate planning is critical. But if you’re already facing an inheritance dispute with an estranged family member, know that you’re not alone—and resources are available to help you.

Let Approved Inheritance Cash support you through the wait, so you can stay focused on what matters most: protecting your rightful share.