Signing a funding contract that assigns a slice of your inheritance is a one-way door—once it’s closed, you can’t renegotiate the terms. A short, focused interrogation before you put ink to paper can spare months of regret later. Use the ten questions below to uncover true costs, timeline realities, and hidden risks—and to confirm you’re partnering with a provider that treats heirs fairly.
Is the agreement strictly non-recourse and capped at my net share?
Non-recourse language guarantees repayment comes only from estate proceeds; no personal liability, no wage garnishment, no collections if the estate falls short.
What is the all-in payoff number, and does it ever increase?
Ask for a single dollar figure that will not grow over time. Flat pricing, outlined in a clear fee breakdown, removes the worry that delays outside your control will balloon costs.
Will the company run a hard or soft credit check—and why?
Most funders rely on estate value and run at most a soft inquiry, leaving FICO® scores untouched. If a hard pull is planned, press for the rationale and review how credit bureaus handle inheritance advances.
Which probate milestones must be complete before funding?
Some lenders wait for letters testamentary; others need an approved inventory. Knowing the exact checkpoints clarifies whether you are already fundable or still weeks away—information that dovetails with the seven key approval factors underwriters use.
What documents must my executor supply, and who will follow up?
A prepared provider offers a concise checklist—death certificate, letters, inventory, debt schedules—mirroring the items in the essential paperwork kit. Bonus points if they chase the executor themselves instead of pushing the chore onto you.
How long from “file complete” to money wired?
Direct lenders often quote 24–48 business hours; brokered deals can take longer. Demand a calendar—not a promise—and compare it with your financial deadlines.
Exactly how are fees deducted and displayed on the funding statement?
Wire fees, courier charges, and broker commissions can eat into cash at disbursement or inflate the payoff. Require line-item clarity.
Who services the advance after funding, and how do I reach them?
Continuity matters if probate drags or you request an additional tranche. Decide whether you prefer the single-point accountability of a direct lender or the two-party structure of a brokered arrangement—a nuanced difference explored when comparing funding partners.
Can I receive additional advances later, and on what terms?
Probate timelines shift. Ask whether the contract allows incremental funding and whether new fees apply only to the fresh amount or compound on the whole balance.
What happens if the estate’s asset mix or market value changes?
Solid contracts fix repayment at the agreed payoff cap regardless of real-estate fluctuations or asset sales below appraisal. Confirm the company absorbs the risk, not you.
Bottom Line
Ten targeted questions can reveal more about a provider than pages of marketing copy. Press for specifics—numbers, dates, clauses—and insist on answers you can understand. When the responses align with transparent pricing, minimal credit impact, clear approval criteria, a crisp document plan, and a partner model you trust, you’re ready to sign with confidence.
Quiet next step: Keep this list handy during your first phone call; a reputable funding specialist should welcome each question and answer without hesitation.
