Can I access my inheritance before the estate is finalised?
This is one of the most common questions we hear from people who are waiting on a deceased estate. The honest answer is: not directly, but there is a way to access funds you are already entitled to, before the estate formally distributes.
Why can't beneficiaries access the estate directly?
Once someone passes away, their assets become part of their deceased estate. The estate is a separate legal entity, and until the executor has obtained probate, paid all debts and taxes, and completed the administration process, those assets cannot be formally distributed to beneficiaries.
This process takes time, in Australia, most estates take 9 to 12 months to settle. Estates involving property often take longer.
How an inheritance advance works
An inheritance advance is a facility that lets you access a portion of your confirmed inheritance entitlement now. At Inherita, we advance up to 50% of what you are owed, assessed on the estate assets, not your personal income.
Here is how it works:
- You apply online and share your estate documents (will, death certificate, probate paperwork)
- We assess the estate value and your confirmed entitlement, not your salary or employment history
- If approved, funds are in your account the next business day
- When the estate finalises, the executor repays Inherita directly before distributing the remainder to you
You make no monthly repayments during the term. The advance, fees, and interest are all settled at the end, from the estate, not from your pocket.
What can you use the funds for?
There are no restrictions. People use inheritance advances for mortgage payments, living expenses, urgent repairs to an estate property, legal costs, or simply to reduce financial pressure while the estate takes its course.
Will the total repayment ever exceed my inheritance?
No. Inherita's advances are capped at your confirmed share of the estate. The total you repay, advance plus fees and interest, will never exceed your inheritance entitlement. This is a non-recourse product: if something unexpected reduces the value of the estate, your liability is limited to what the estate pays out.
Does the executor have to approve my application?
The executor is notified and needs to sign a deed acknowledging the arrangement, but they do not have the power to veto your application. The advance is between you and Inherita. The deed simply directs the executor to repay Inherita from your share of the estate when settlement occurs.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can I receive funds?
Once your application is approved and contracts are signed, funds are transferred the next business day. The initial assessment typically takes 48 hours.
Do I need a good credit score?
We do conduct a credit check, but your credit score is not the primary basis for our assessment. We assess the estate, specifically the estate asset value and your confirmed entitlement. Beneficiaries who would not qualify for a conventional loan often qualify for an Inherita advance.
What if the estate is delayed?
Interest accrues until the estate repays. But because your total repayment is capped at your share of the estate, a longer timeline increases cost but it doesn't increase your liability beyond what you are entitled to receive.
If you're a named beneficiary of a confirmed will, you may be able to access up to 50% of your inheritance now — without waiting for the estate to finalise.
Check your eligibility in 2 minutes →