How it works
A straightforward probate advance process
Getting a probate cash advance at 48 Hour Probate is a five-step process: quick case review, document collection, underwriting decision, written offer, and funding — typically within 24 to 48 hours of signing. No credit check, no monthly payments, and non-recourse protection: if the estate falls short, you owe nothing.
If you asked how does probate advance work, this page walks through the same step-by-step review path we use at 48 Hour Probate after you submit estate details.
The 4-step case flow
Every case is different, but most heirs move through the same major checkpoints.
Tell us about the estate
Share the probate state, your estimated inheritance, and how you plan to use the funds — whether that is paying off debt, covering education costs, making a home purchase, or something else.
Our team may also coordinate with estate counsel, the personal representative, or supporting court records if the file needs clarification.
We review the file
Our team evaluates court status, estate details, heirs, and supporting documents to determine whether an advance is possible.
Our team may also coordinate with estate counsel, the personal representative, or supporting court records if the file needs clarification.
Receive a transparent offer
If the matter qualifies, we walk through available advance amounts, your estimated net, and paperwork before any commitment.
Our team may also coordinate with estate counsel, the personal representative, or supporting court records if the file needs clarification.
Get funds fast
Once documents are complete, funds can be sent quickly by wire or check so you can move forward.
Our team may also coordinate with estate counsel, the personal representative, or supporting court records if the file needs clarification.
What we'll need from you
Most files are fully reviewed with a handful of documents. Missing items are normal — we help you gather what's needed as part of the process.
Death certificate
A certified copy of the decedent's death certificate establishes the triggering event for probate and the beneficiary's interest in the estate.
Will (if any) or appointment order
If the decedent left a will, we need a copy. If probate is opened, we also look at the court's order appointing the personal representative and any letters testamentary or letters of administration.
Probate case filing
Case number, court, and county, plus access to the docket. We confirm the probate is open, the personal representative is authorized, and no restrictions limit distribution.
Estate inventory or valuation
A list of probate assets — real property, bank accounts, securities, personal property — with reasonable valuations. Formal inventories filed with the court are ideal; preliminary estimates work for an initial review.
Debts and expected expenses
Outstanding mortgages, secured loans, creditor claims, taxes, attorney and executor fees, and any known disputes. Accuracy here directly affects the amount you can advance.
Heir identification
Government-issued ID and proof of relationship to the decedent. For multiple-heir estates, we verify your specific share under the will or intestacy law.
Timeline at a glance
Every file is different, but these are the ranges most heirs experience.
| Stage | Typical duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial review | Same day – 1 business day | We confirm the probate is open, the estate posture, and your expected share. |
| Document collection | 1 – 3 business days | Varies based on how many documents you already have and how responsive the probate court is. |
| Underwriting decision | 1 – 2 business days after documents | We assess estate solvency, timeline, heir share, and any court posture issues. |
| Written offer review | At your pace | No pressure. We encourage heirs to review the contract with estate counsel if they wish. |
| Funding | 24 – 48 hours after signing | Wire or check. Funds are unrestricted — use them however you need. |
| Repayment when probate closes | Varies by estate | We collect directly from your share at distribution. You never make a payment. |
Frequently asked questions about the process
What exactly happens on day one?
You share the basics: probate state and county, the estate's approximate value, your beneficiary share, and any known debts or disputes. We open a file, confirm the probate is active, and schedule a short call to walk through next steps. No credit check, no personal financial deep-dive.
Do I need a lawyer to apply?
No. Many heirs come to us without estate counsel, especially when the estate is small or uncontested. That said, we encourage every heir to have the advance contract reviewed by their own attorney before signing — and we will never pressure you to skip that step.
Will you contact the executor or attorney for the estate?
Yes, with your permission. We notify the executor and the estate's attorney so the eventual distribution is routed correctly. This is a normal, courteous step that prevents reconciliation issues at close — not a court filing against the estate.
What if my documents aren't complete?
We work with what you have and fill in the gaps. For example, if you don't have the filed inventory yet, a reasonable estimate plus preliminary valuations often gets us to an initial offer, which can be refined as documents arrive.
Can I change the advance amount later?
Before you sign, yes — most heirs adjust the amount as they look at the offer. After you sign, the amount is fixed, but many heirs come back later for an additional advance if probate drags on longer than expected.
What happens after I sign?
Funds are wired or mailed within 24–48 hours. We send notice of the assignment to the executor and the estate's attorney. Then we wait alongside you for the estate to close, at which point we collect our agreed share directly from your distribution.
Ready to start or want to talk it through first?
Start online in under 60 seconds or call (800) 701-2949 for a direct conversation with the team. No credit check. No obligation.
Sources and references
- American Bar Association (2024). Guide to the Probate Process
- Cornell Legal Information Institute (Current). Letters Testamentary (Wex Legal Dictionary)
- Cornell Legal Information Institute (Current). Non-recourse loan (Wex Legal Dictionary)
- Cornell Legal Information Institute (Current). U.C.C. Article 9 — Secured Transactions.