How California Intestate Probate Works
When someone passes without a will, the estate is labeled intestate and must follow the state’s succession laws. California courts give first priority to spouses and children, then move outward to parents, siblings, and more distant relatives. A judge appoints an administrator, inventories assets, settles debts, and only then distributes what is left. A formal probate case usually runs nine to eighteen months—sometimes longer if real property must be sold or heirs can’t be located. Those many months can feel endless when mortgage payments, tuition, or medical bills still fall due.
Probate Advance Basics: Turning Future Inheritance into Today’s Cash
A probate advance (also called inheritance funding, probate loan, or inheritance cash advance) lets an heir access a portion of a forthcoming distribution before the court signs off. The funding company purchases part of your expected share for a one-time fee, then waits to be paid back directly from the estate. There are no monthly installments, credit checks, or income hurdles because approval rests on the estate’s value, not personal finances.
Can You Secure a Probate Advance Without a Will?
Yes. Even when the decedent left no will, California heirs may still qualify for inheritance funding. Providers focus on three core questions:
- Verified heirship – Court filings must confirm you are legally entitled under Probate Code §6400 and related intestate statutes.
- Estate solvency – Real estate, investment accounts, or life-insurance proceeds inside probate need to outweigh debts and taxes.
- Reasonable timeline – If the court already appointed an administrator and published creditor notices, the path to distribution is clearer and risk falls.
Once those boxes are ticked, a funding offer can follow in days rather than months.
What Providers Evaluate Before Making an Offer
Most companies follow a similar playbook:
- Court documents – Petition for probate, letters of administration, and inventory schedules.
- Asset mix – Market value of real property, brokerage accounts, and personal property inside probate.
- Pending liens or taxes – Property taxes, secured debts, or Medi-Cal recovery claims reduce distributable proceeds.
- Your requested amount – Advances typically range from $5,000 to $350,000 and seldom exceed 50 % of an heir’s net share.
The clearer the paperwork, the faster underwriters finish their review.
Advantages for Intestate Heirs
- Speed – Funds can land in your account in as little as a week, while probate continues in the background.
- No credit impact – Personal credit scores or employment gaps won’t derail approval.
- Risk transfer – If settlement falls short, you owe nothing beyond the inheritance that actually materializes.
- Financial breathing room – Cover urgent expenses, keep a family home out of foreclosure, or renegotiate high-interest debt.
Practical Steps to Tap Your Inheritance Early
- Collect court paperwork. Ask the administrator or your attorney for filed petitions and the latest inventory.
- Choose an experienced funding company. Compare fees, response times, and reputation. Transparent term sheets beat teaser rates with hidden costs.
- Review the offer. Make sure you understand the exact dollar amount advanced and the fixed fee deducted at closing.
- Consult trusted advisers. A probate lawyer or financial counselor can help weigh short-term relief against long-term estate proceeds.
Short, well-organized files often translate into smoother approvals and lower fees.
Why Many Californians Pick Rockpoint Probate Funding
Rockpoint focuses solely on probate and inheritance advances, so every question you raise is answered by a team steeped in California court procedure. The process is streamlined: upload documents through a secure portal, get a same-day estimate, and receive funds by wire upon execution of an assignment agreement. There are no hidden charges, servicing fees, or surprise rate hikes—just one clear price disclosed upfront.
A Safety Net When Probate Drags On
Real-world delays happen: property appraisals come in late, distant relatives contest heirship, or a family-owned business needs valuation. Every extra month means utilities, insurance, and property-tax bills keep piling up. A probate advance converts a slice of tomorrow’s inheritance into today’s working capital, helping you safeguard assets and keep life moving forward while the court does its work.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Share a few probate documents, and see how much of your future inheritance you can unlock this week with Rockpoint Probate Funding. Friendly specialists are standing by to outline terms, answer questions, and fund qualified heirs—so you can focus on honoring your loved one’s legacy instead of worrying about day-to-day bills.
