Massachusetts Inheritance Advance — Get Cash While Probate Takes Its Course

What is an inheritance advance in Massachusetts?

An inheritance advance (sometimes called a probate advance or probate funding) gives you immediate access to a portion of your expected inheritance while the estate works its way through Massachusetts's probate process. Unlike a traditional inheritance loan, an advance is not a loan at all — there are no monthly payments, no interest charges, and no credit check.

Here is how it works: we advance you a portion of your expected share, typically within 48 hours. When probate eventually closes and the estate distributes funds, our advance plus a flat fee is repaid directly from the estate proceeds. If the estate produces less than expected, you owe nothing — the advance is completely non-recourse, meaning repayment comes solely from the estate. You have zero personal risk.

To get started, request a free, confidential quote or call (800) 617-7260. There is no obligation and no upfront cost.

How probate works in Massachusetts

Massachusetts handles probate through its Probate and Family Court (14 courts across 14 counties). Massachusetts imposes a state estate tax. See FAQ below for details. Consult a Massachusetts estate attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

General Massachusetts probate timeline

Filing and appointment (weeks 1-4). The personal representative (executor) files a petition with the appropriate court in the county where the deceased resided.

Creditor claim period (1 year). Massachusetts requires publishing a notice to creditors, who then have 1 year to file claims. Known creditors must also receive direct notice.

Inventory and appraisal (within 60-90 days). The executor identifies and values all estate assets and files an inventory with the court.

Administration (months 2-10+). Managing assets, paying debts, filing required tax returns, and resolving any creditor claims.

Distribution (months 9-36 months). Simple Massachusetts estates may close in 9-18 months. More complex estates — those with real property, disputes, or tax complications — typically take 18-36 months or longer.

Massachusetts-specific considerations

State estate tax with $2M threshold. Massachusetts imposes a state estate tax on estates exceeding $2 million — one of the lowest thresholds nationally. This affects a significant number of Massachusetts estates, especially those with Boston-area real estate.

Dedicated Probate and Family Courts. Massachusetts has specialized Probate and Family Courts in all 14 counties, which helps with expertise but can create backlogs in high-volume areas.

Long 1-year creditor period. Massachusetts allows creditors a full year from the date of the executor's appointment to present claims — one of the longest creditor periods in the country and a major driver of the state's longer probate timelines.

No inheritance tax. Massachusetts has no inheritance tax, only the estate tax.

High property values. Boston-area real estate values mean many Massachusetts estates exceed the $2 million estate tax threshold, requiring additional tax planning and clearance steps.

How our Massachusetts inheritance advance process works

Getting an inheritance advance through First Heritage Funding is straightforward. Here is the step-by-step process for Massachusetts heirs:

Step 1: Free consultation. Call (800) 617-7260 or fill out our simple form. We will ask a few basic questions about the estate — the state, your relationship to the deceased, and a rough estimate of the estate's value. No credit check, no financial disclosures.

Step 2: Estate document review. Our team reviews the probate petition, will or trust documents, and other estate filings to verify the estate's assets and your status as an heir. We work directly with the estate attorney so you do not have to chase down paperwork.

Step 3: Receive your offer. Once verified, we present a clear offer: the advance amount and a flat fee. No hidden charges, no fine print. You have complete freedom to accept, decline, or ask questions — there is never any pressure.

Step 4: Funds delivered. If you accept, we prepare a simple assignment agreement and wire funds directly to your bank account — often within 24 to 48 hours of acceptance.

Step 5: Repayment at estate distribution. When the estate eventually closes and funds are distributed, our portion is paid from the estate proceeds. You keep the rest. If the estate does not produce enough, you owe nothing.

Learn more about how our inheritance advance process works or see our complete step-by-step guide.

Why heirs in Massachusetts choose an inheritance advance

Massachusetts probate takes 9-18 months for simple estates and 18-36 months for more complex cases. During that time, heirs often face real financial pressures that cannot wait for probate to close. Common reasons Massachusetts heirs use an inheritance advance include:

Cover funeral and burial costs. Funeral expenses often need to be paid immediately, long before probate is resolved.

Pay mortgage, rent, or bills. If you have been helping with a loved one's expenses, those costs do not pause for probate.

Avoid high-interest debt. Rather than taking on credit card debt or personal loans with high interest rates, an inheritance advance has a flat fee with no interest.

Reduce financial stress during a difficult time. Grieving is hard enough without worrying about money. An advance lets you focus on what matters.

Handle estate-related costs. Property maintenance, insurance, probate fees, and estate attorney costs all add up during administration.

Settle disputes between heirs. When siblings inherit property together or disagree about the estate, an advance can provide breathing room while the situation is resolved.

Whatever your reason, an inheritance advance puts you in control of your finances during a period that is otherwise defined by waiting. Explore all your options for accessing your inheritance early.

If you are a Massachusetts heir waiting on probate

The Massachusetts probate process means months of waiting — sometimes years. An inheritance advance from First Heritage Funding can bridge the gap with funds in as little as 48 hours. There is no credit check, no monthly payments, no personal risk, and no obligation to proceed after receiving your quote.

Get a free, confidential quote or call (800) 617-7260 to discuss your Massachusetts estate.