Frequently Asked Questions | Inheritance, Probate & Divorce Loans | Level

General questions

Is Level FCA regulated?

Yes. Level is the trading name of Integro Funding Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FRN: 772858.

How quickly can I get a decision?

We can usually provide an in-principle decision within 1–2 working days, even in complex cases.

What types of loans does Level offer?

Level offers a range of specialist lending products for estate administration and family law proceedings, including Inheritance Advance, Inheritance Tax Loans, Estate Expense Loans, Funeral Expense Loans, Settlement Advance, and legal fee and living expense loans for divorce and family law proceedings.

Inheritance Advance FAQs

Answers to common questions about our Inheritance Advance product.

What is an Inheritance Advance?

An Inheritance Advance lets you access up to 60% of your inheritance early, before probate is granted. It is a straightforward, hassle-free way to get the funds you need without waiting several months or longer. The loan is secured against your inheritance, not personal assets, and repaid directly from the estate once it is settled — with no personal liability.

How does an Inheritance Advance work?

The loan is repaid directly from the estate once probate is granted, with no monthly repayments. After probate is granted and the loan is repaid, you will receive any remaining inheritance. To get started, provide some basic details about yourself and the estate. Once a consultation has taken place and your full application is processed, we will provide a fast decision and transfer funds to your bank account.

How much does an Inheritance Advance cost?

The cost includes an administration fee of 1–2% of the loan amount. Interest is rolled up throughout the loan term, so no repayments are required until the estate is settled by the administrator. Interest rates vary based on the size and complexity of the loan. You can repay in full at any time with no extra charges.

Are there credit checks for an Inheritance Advance?

We do not normally carry out credit checks for an Inheritance Advance. The loan is based on the value of the inheritance, not your credit history, age, or employment status. Checks for undischarged bankruptcy are carried out as standard.

What is the difference between an Inheritance Advance and an Inheritance Tax Loan?

An Inheritance Advance is designed to help beneficiaries access the funds they are entitled to early, for any purpose, without waiting for the lengthy probate process. Our Inheritance Tax Loan allows executors to settle estate administration expenses — including Inheritance Tax — without delaying probate or using their own funds.

Inheritance Tax Loan FAQs

Answers to common questions about our Inheritance Tax Loan and Estate Expense funding.

What is an Inheritance Tax Loan?

An Inheritance Tax Loan helps executors settle Inheritance Tax liabilities with HMRC quickly, even when estate funds are tied up. With Level, you can also use our loans to cover other estate expenses such as funeral costs, property repairs, and professional fees including probate, valuers and surveyors. We can lend up to 60% of the net estate value.

How does an Inheritance Tax Loan help during probate?

By unlocking funds to pay Inheritance Tax and estate expenses upfront, the loan supports executors in meeting their obligations to HMRC without interest penalties or personal financial strain. With Inheritance Tax often payable before probate is issued, it helps ensure the probate process continues without delay so beneficiaries are not left waiting.

How much does an Inheritance Tax Loan cost?

The loan includes a 1–2% administration fee, with interest rates varying based on the size and complexity of the loan. You will only pay interest on funds you draw down, allowing you to access them as and when needed throughout the estate administration process. You can repay your loan early at any time at no extra cost.

How quickly do I need to pay back an Inheritance Tax Loan?

The loan is repaid directly from the estate’s assets when it is settled, with interest rolled up and no monthly repayments in the meantime. This happens before any distributions to beneficiaries. You are free to fully or partly repay your loan early at any time.

What is the difference between an Inheritance Tax Loan and a traditional loan?

Unlike traditional loans, an Inheritance Tax Loan is secured against the estate, not personal assets such as property. There are no extensive credit checks, no monthly repayments, and no personal liability. The loan is repaid directly from the estate, making it a simpler and lower-risk solution for executors. Read more in our guide to IHT loans.

Divorce Loan FAQs

Answers to common questions about our legal fee and living expense lending, often referred to as a Divorce Loan. See our Family Law funding page for full details.

What does a Divorce Loan pay for?

We offer Divorce Loans to cover legal fees, disbursements, and living expenses during proceedings, allowing you to focus on achieving a fair outcome without financial strain. Funds are available on a draw-down basis, meaning you can request them as and when needed. For a full breakdown of divorce costs, see our guide to how much divorce costs.

How much does a Divorce Loan cost?

The loan includes a 1–2% administration fee. Interest is based on your loan size and complexity and is only charged on funds drawn down. Interest is rolled up, meaning there are no monthly repayments to manage. There are no fees for early repayments.

How quickly do I need to pay back a Divorce Loan?

The loan is repaid to us by your family solicitor when you reach a settlement and it is paid into their client account. There are no monthly repayments in the meantime, though you are free to repay early — in full or in part — at any time. If your loan term expires before your divorce is settled, it may be extended subject to further underwriting checks and approval.

Can a Divorce Loan speed up the litigation process?

Yes — by providing immediate funding for legal costs, a Divorce Loan removes financial barriers to justice and enables you to proceed with your case without delay. This can lead to a more efficient, timely resolution. Read more in our guide to the family law court process.

Settlement Advance FAQs

Answers to common questions about our Settlement Advance product.

What is a Settlement Advance?

A Settlement Advance lets you access up to 50% of your expected divorce settlement before proceedings are finalised — so you can move forward without waiting for the other side. The loan is set up as a draw-down facility secured against your settlement via a Deed of Assignment, with interest rolled up and no monthly repayments.

What can a Settlement Advance be used for?

A Settlement Advance can be used for a range of purposes while you wait for your divorce settlement, including buying or renovating property, clearing debts, or covering living and legal expenses. See our divorce costs guide for context on the financial side of proceedings.

How is a Settlement Advance repaid?

The loan is secured with a Deed of Assignment over your settlement, which assigns your settlement proceeds to be paid directly to your family solicitor’s client account. Your solicitor will repay the full amount owed to Level before releasing any remaining funds to you. You can repay early, in full or in part, at any time with no early redemption fees.

Do I need a solicitor to apply for a Settlement Advance?

Yes — you will need a solicitor instructed on your case to apply. Your solicitor will complete the application form and submit the relevant case documentation. Level will then assess eligibility and aim to provide an in-principle decision within 1–2 working days.

Funeral Expense Loan FAQs

Answers to common questions about our Funeral Expense Loan product.

What is a Funeral Expense Loan?

A Funeral Expense Loan helps cover the cost of a funeral when estate funds are not yet accessible due to the probate process. It removes the need for family members or executors to use personal funds to meet an immediate and unavoidable cost. The loan is repaid from the estate once probate is granted.

Who can apply for a Funeral Expense Loan?

Executors and administrators of an estate can apply. No credit checks are required and the loan is secured against the estate, not personal assets. There are no monthly repayments — the loan is settled from estate proceeds once assets are released.

How quickly can a Funeral Expense Loan be arranged?

We aim to provide an in-principle decision within 1–2 working days. Given the time-sensitive nature of funeral arrangements, our team prioritises these applications and can move quickly once the relevant estate details are provided.

Does a Funeral Expense Loan affect the rest of the estate?

Funeral expenses are treated as a priority payment from the estate — they are settled before distributions to beneficiaries. Taking a Funeral Expense Loan does not affect the overall probate process or the entitlements of beneficiaries — it simply ensures the cost is covered promptly without personal financial strain.