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What to ask before taking an inheritance advance

An advance can help, but the cost and the protections vary a lot between providers. Ask these questions, and get the answers in writing, before you sign.

Cost

  1. What is the total amount I'll repay if the estate pays out in 6, 12, 18 and 24 months? Ask for pounds, not just a rate. Remember the grant is only one stage. The average wait for the grant alone was 6.5 weeks in Aug 2026, and the time before applying and after the grant counts too.
  2. Is the interest simple or compound? Compound interest charges interest on interest, so the gap grows over time.
  3. What fees are there? Ask about arrangement or admin fees, and whether interest is charged on the fee too.
  4. Is there a cap on interest, or a minimum charge? Some providers stop charging interest after a set number of months, for example 18 or 30. Others publish no cap.
  5. Are there early repayment fees?

What happens if things don't go to plan

  1. What if the estate takes longer than expected? Does the loan just keep running, or can it become repayable on a set date before you've received anything?
  2. What if my inheritance turns out smaller, or the will is challenged? Will I personally owe any shortfall?
  3. Can I be asked to repay from my own money? If so, when?

Regulation and your protections

  1. Is this a regulated credit agreement under the Consumer Credit Act? Or is it structured differently, for example as buying part of my inheritance? Firm-level FCA authorisation doesn't automatically mean every product is regulated.
  2. Is there a cooling-off or withdrawal period? One provider we list says you have 14 days to withdraw.
  3. Can I complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service if something goes wrong? (Financial Ombudsman Service)
  4. Check the firm yourself on the FCA Register, using the firm reference number shown on its website.

The process

  1. What do you need from the executor or their solicitor, and will they charge the estate or me for dealing with you?
  2. Will you run a credit check? Some providers do and some say they don't.
  3. Will other beneficiaries be told? The executors will need to know, because they repay the provider from your share.
  4. Can I borrow less? Borrowing only what you need keeps the cost down.

Before you decide

This checklist is general information, not financial or legal advice. ProbateClock doesn't arrange loans or receive commission.