Inheritance Advance Calculator

Disclaimer: This calculator provides rough estimates for illustrative purposes only. Actual advance amounts depend on many factors including estate complexity, asset types, probate timeline, and the funding company's underwriting review. This is not an offer or guarantee of funding. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your specific situation.

How inheritance advance amounts are determined

When you apply for an inheritance advance, the funding company evaluates several factors to determine how much they can offer. Unlike a traditional loan — where your credit score, income, and employment history drive the decision — an inheritance advance is based almost entirely on the strength of the estate and the certainty of your expected distribution.

The core calculation is straightforward: the company estimates the net value of the estate, determines your share based on the will or intestate succession laws, and then offers an advance equal to a percentage of that share. Most companies advance between 30% and 40% of your expected inheritance, though some may go higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances.

The funding company will typically request copies of key probate documents — the death certificate, the will (if one exists), the petition for probate, and any inventory and appraisal filings. These documents allow them to verify the estate's value, confirm your status as a beneficiary, and assess how far along the probate process is. Estates that are further along in probate generally qualify for larger advances because there is less uncertainty about the final distribution.

Factors that affect how much you can get

While every estate is different, several key factors consistently influence the size of an inheritance advance:

Total estate value. Larger estates generally qualify for larger advances in absolute dollar terms. However, the percentage offered may actually be more conservative for very large estates due to the increased complexity and longer timelines that often accompany them.

Your share of the estate. Your advance is limited to a percentage of your specific share — not the total estate value. If you are one of five equal beneficiaries of a $1,000,000 estate, your share is $200,000, and your advance would be based on that $200,000.

Estate debts and expenses. Outstanding mortgages, credit card debt, medical bills, funeral expenses, probate attorney fees, and executor fees all reduce the net estate value before anything is distributed to beneficiaries. The funding company accounts for these obligations when estimating your share.

Type of assets. Estates consisting primarily of liquid assets — bank accounts, investment portfolios, life insurance proceeds — are generally easier to evaluate and fund against. Estates with complex or illiquid assets like business interests, undeveloped land, or contested property may receive more conservative advance offers.

Stage of probate. An estate that has already been through its inventory and appraisal, had creditor claims resolved, and is approaching final distribution presents much less risk to the funding company. Earlier-stage estates may still qualify, but the advance amount may be smaller to account for uncertainty.

Potential disputes or litigation. If any beneficiaries are contesting the will, challenging the executor, or disputing the inventory, the funding company will factor that risk into its offer. Contested estates typically receive lower advance percentages — or may not qualify at all until the dispute is resolved.

What fees to expect

Inheritance advances are not loans, so the cost structure is different from what you might expect. Instead of an interest rate and monthly payments, funding companies charge a flat fee or a percentage-based fee that is deducted from your inheritance at the time the estate distributes.

The total cost of an inheritance advance typically ranges from 10% to 40% of the advance amount, depending on the estate's complexity, the expected timeline to distribution, and the funding company's risk assessment. Here is how those variables tend to affect pricing:

Shorter probate timelines (6–12 months): Fees tend to be on the lower end — roughly 10% to 20% of the advance amount. The funding company's money is tied up for a shorter period, which reduces their risk and cost.

Average probate timelines (12–18 months): Fees typically fall in the 15% to 30% range. This covers the extended period before repayment and the additional uncertainty involved.

Complex or lengthy estates (18+ months): Fees can reach 25% to 40% or more. Estates involving litigation, real estate sales, tax complications, or multi-state probate proceedings carry more risk and take longer to close, which drives the cost higher.

It is essential to get the fee structure in writing before accepting any advance. Reputable companies like First Heritage Funding provide a clear, written agreement that spells out exactly what will be deducted from your inheritance at distribution — with no hidden charges or compounding interest.

Comparison: inheritance advance vs. personal loan vs. waiting

Heirs who need money during probate generally have three options. The table below compares them side by side:

For many heirs, the key advantage of an inheritance advance is the absence of personal risk. If the estate ultimately distributes less than expected — whether due to unforeseen debts, declining asset values, or legal complications — the funding company absorbs the loss, not you. With a personal loan, you are personally responsible for repayment regardless of what happens with the estate.

Waiting for probate to conclude is always an option, and it is the least expensive one if you can afford to wait. But many heirs face immediate financial needs — mortgage payments, medical bills, living expenses, or debts left behind by the deceased — that make waiting 12 to 24 months impractical. In those situations, an inheritance advance provides a way to access your own money without taking on personal debt.