There are two ways to get money before an estate can be probated. The terms inheritance loan and probate advance are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different concepts. Inheritance loans, also known as inheritance advance loans, probate advance loans, probate loans, or estate loans involve borrowing against an inheritance, using the inheritance as collateral to secure your loan. Probate advances, also known as inheritance advances or estate advances are not traditional loans. Instead, they involve the lender essentially purchasing a portion of your inheritance. They get a portion of the inheritance directly from the estate, and you do not need to repay the loan.