A comprehensive guide Inheritance Advance in the UK

By Georgia Galloway | Tuesday 28th March 2023 | 8 minute read

This comprehensive guide to Inheritance Advance in the UK will help you understand the process of obtaining an inheritance advance.

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An Inheritance Advance is a method of borrowing money against an expected future inheritance, allowing those who expect to receive an inheritance but need funds now, to access funds before they actually become entitled to their inheritance.

This guide explains what Inheritance Advance is, how it works, and some common considerations related to taking out an Inheritance Advance. It also provides advice on finding a lender and understanding the terms of any agreement you may enter into with them.

With this guide, you should have all the information needed to make educated decisions about whether or not this type of financial arrangement is right for you.


What is the Definition of an Inheritance Advance? 

An inheritance advance is a type of advance in which a borrower receives funds based on an anticipated inheritance. The borrower agrees to pay back the loan plus interest when the inheritance is eventually received, typically with an upfront fee as well. 

This type of loan may be sought by someone expecting a large sum of money from an inheritance, but who needs the cash before the estate is settled.


What are the Pros and Cons of inheritance advances?

Pros: 

  • Inheritance advances provide a lump sum of money earlier than the beneficiary would normally receive the funds. 
  • Beneficiaries can use the funds for any reason for example: to make refreshments to their property, buy a property, to make investments, to pay off large debts, to pay for a holiday, to purchase a new car, or start a business. 
  • Funds gained through inheritance advances may not be taxable. 

Cons: 

  • As a beneficiary you'll be charged fees to obtain the advance. 
  • There may be a risk of spending the advance and having nothing left to actually receive from the inheritance. 

Can I get an advance on my inheritance UK?

Yes,  it is possible to get an advance on your inheritance in the UK for up to 60% of your anticipated inheritance and there is no upper limit to the advance.

It doesn't require there to be a will and is available before and after probate - so you don't actually need to wait for probate to receive your advance, which is also known as a probate loan


How long does it take to get an Inheritance Advance?

The loan process is very quick. It starts with an application, which may take anywhere from 1 to 3 business days to complete.

Once an offer is accepted, the actual loan process can take as little as 24 hours. However, there will be a 14-day cooling-off period to make sure that you still want to go ahead.


How much money from my inheritance advance will I receive?

The amount of money you will receive from an inheritance advance is dependent on the amount of your inheritance and how much loan to value of the inheritance a lender is willing to offer.

Generally, advances up to 60% of the inheritance due can be achieved. For example, if your inheritance is £100,000 then you'll be able to get an inheritance advance of up to £60,000.


Are there any fees or risks associated when applying for an Inheritance Advance?

No, there is no risk in applying for an inheritance advance.

It costs nothing to apply for an inheritance cash advance and there is no obligation to continue with your application once you have started. 

You can typically also seek free, impartial advice from one of the lender's advisors with regards to your inheritance, pricing and timelines at no extra cost, or if you prefer you can gain advice from an independent financial advisor.


What if the estate takes a long time to liquidate?

There are no penalties where the distribution of your inheritance is delayed by the estate. 

The lender will take on the full risk of the estate taking longer to liquidate or the assets selling for less than expected. The interest may increase on the outstanding advance due to a longer than expected liquidation of an estate, but the balance to be repaid will never be more than the inheritance that you receive.


What documents do I need to get an Inheritance Advance?

For a quick payout, it's important To ensure that your application gets approved as fast as possible. As such organise the following documents:

  • Death certificate
  • Will (if applicable)
  • Letters of administration
  • Legal documents which involve the probate
  • Documentation identifying the estate's administrator/executor and attorney
  • Inventory of estate assets

Is an Inheritance Advance the same as an inheritance loan?

No, an inheritance advance is not the same as an inheritance loan. An inheritance advance is a type of cash advance that allows you to receive money from your inheritance before it has been officially distributed by the court.

This can be helpful if you need funds quickly or for any number of other reasons. An inheritance loan, on the other hand, involves taking out a loan against your inherited assets so you can access them now rather than later. While an inheritance loan may seem like a good option at first glance, there are risks involved that should be considered carefully before taking this route.


What can I use an Inheritance Advance for?    

An inheritance advance can be used for any purpose you desire such as: 

  1. Paying off debt 
  2. Starting a business 
  3. Investing in property 
  4. Financing college tuition 
  5. Home improvement projects 
  6. Purchasing a car 
  7. Consolidating existing loans 
  8. Funding a vacation 
  9. Making a major purchase
  10. Covering care fees and medical expenses

When can I apply for a Inheritance Advance?

There is no set timeframe for applying for an inheritance advance. You can apply pre-probate or post-probate.


What is a beneficiary when talking about inheritance?

A beneficiary is a person or organisation that is entitled to receive money, assets, or other benefits from an inheritance. When someone dies and leaves behind an estate to be distributed among his or her heirs, the designated beneficiaries are given their share of the inheritance according to the deceased’s wishes as stated in the will. Beneficiaries can include family members, close friends, charities, and trusts.


What does estate mean when talking about inheritance?

When talking about inheritance, estate refers to the total sum of a person's possessions and property that is subject to distribution upon their death.

The size of an individual's estate will vary depending on the assets they own, such as investments, real estate, cash, life insurance policies, retirement accounts and personal effects. Depending on where the individual resides at the time of their death, these assets may be subject to laws governing estate taxation. Estate planning involves understanding how these rules apply in order to ensure your desired wishes are met.


What does probate mean?

Probate is the legal process of administering a person's estate after their death.

This involves identifying, collecting and distributing the deceased person’s assets to their rightful heirs. In some cases, probate may also involve settling any debts or disputes that arise out of the will or other documents. The court oversees this entire process and ensures that all assets are distributed in accordance with state law and the terms of the decedent's will.


What is a will?

A will is a legal document that sets out an individual's wishes regarding the distribution of their assets and property after they pass away. It can also set out how any minor children or dependents are to be cared for in the event of the individual’s death.

The testator (the person making the will) names one or more executors, who will be responsible for carrying out their wishes as laid out in the will when they die. A validly executed will must meet certain formalities prescribed by law, such as being witnessed and signed by two independent witnesses, in order to be legally binding.


What is a Death certificate?

A death certificate is a document that is issued by a local government official or medical practitioner that officially declares the date, location, and cause of an individual’s death.

It also includes information such as the deceased person’s name, sex, birthdate, surviving family members and other relevant information. Death certificates are typically used to settle legal matters concerning inheritance and insurance claims.


What are Letters of administration in relation to probate?

Letters of administration are granted in probate when an individual dies without leaving a valid will.

Letters of administration give the administrator, typically a relative or close friend, the authority to manage the deceased person's estate and distribute their assets according to law.

The administrator is responsible for identifying and gathering all of the deceased person's assets, paying any debts/taxes owed by the estate, and distributing any remaining assets as per the laws of intestacy—the rules set forth by each state regarding how a decedent's assets should be distributed if he/she did not have a valid will. In most cases, letters of administration are required before anyone can proceed with closing out an estate.


What are Legal documents are involved in probate in the UK?

In the UK, there are a variety of legal documents involved in probate. These include: 

The Grant of Probate - This document is issued by the court as written authority for the executor to administer the deceased’s estate and collect any assets or property. 

  • Will – This document sets out how the deceased wishes their estate to be distributed after death and gives legal authority to an executor to manage this process. 
  • Inheritance Tax Forms – If necessary, forms need to be completed and submitted to HMRC in order for an inheritance tax bill (if applicable) to be calculated correctly. 
  • Letter Of Administration / Letters Of Representation – These documents are obtained where a deceased has died without leaving a valid Will. 
  • Deeds Of Variation – These documents are used to vary the terms of a Will, for example if any beneficiaries wish to change their share of an estate. 
  • Powers Of Attorney – This is a document which gives someone else the authority to make decisions and manage finances on behalf of another person or property owner.

What are Inventory of estate assets in relation to inheritance in the UK?

In the UK, an inventory of estate assets is a list that identifies and records all of the assets of an individual who has passed away.

These assets may include real estate, financial investments, personal possessions, debts owed to or by the deceased, and any other items that are part of their estate. The purpose of an inventory is to ensure that all assets are accounted for in order to distribute them according to the wishes outlined in the deceased's will (or if there was no will - via intestate succession). 

When dealing with inheritance distribution in the UK, it is necessary to provide an accurate record of the deceased's estate. This includes a full listing of all accessible assets as well as details on debts owed by or due to the deceased. It is the responsibility of the personal representative (also known as the executor) to ensure that an inventory is properly produced and submitted to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). 

The inventory must include all assets, liabilities, dependents, and distributions due. For example, if a house was left in a will it should be included in the listing with details such as date of purchase and current estimated value. Additionally, any debts owed by or to the deceased should also be listed including how much money is owed to creditors or banks. Once all this information has been collected then it can be filed with HMRC for inheritance tax purposes. 

An inventory of estate assets is one of the most important documents involved in dealing with the distribution of an estate in the UK. It is a legal requirement to ensure that all of the deceased's assets are accounted for and distributed in accordance with their wishes or according to intestate succession. 

Final thoughts

Inheritance Advance is a unique financial product that can help those expecting an inheritance to access funds earlier than they normally would.

It comes with both benefits and risks, so it's important to understand all of the details before entering into any agreement. This guide should have given you everything you need to know about getting an inheritance advance in the UK and understanding the documents involved.

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