James’ story. An American in Essex: Finding freedom through a Probate Loan

When James’ mother died, it turned his life upside down. After decades in U.S. law enforcement, he found himself in rural Essex, managing the heavy inheritance of his mother’s beloved home. Caught in a sluggish housing market with mounting bills, he felt trapped and desperate for a way out. With Provira’s Estate Advance, James found a lifeline and the freedom to make decisions on his own terms again.

A far cry from Baltimore 

Before his mother became unwell, James had been living and working in Baltimore, Tennessee, where he’d spent more than 30 years of his life working in law enforcement dealing with some of the country’s most violent drug-related gang behaviour. 

When his mother’s health began to deteriorate further, James was called back to his family roots in a quaint village in the heart of Essex – a far cry from his usual American life. His mother, who’d had her house built in the 1950s, had lived there ever since with her husband after his retirement from the U.S. Air Force.

James came to the UK in the final months of his mother’s life and just before Christmas she died in her beloved Essex home. Sadly both of his siblings had died many years earlier which made James the sole beneficiary of the estate. For someone whose life was firmly rooted in the U.S., this became more of a financial and emotional burden than a blessing. 

Sinking in a system he didn’t know

Suddenly he found himself totally ‘jammed up’. A U.S. citizen stuck in rural Essex, grappling with the sluggish UK housing market with a property that wouldn’t sell. With the crippling cost of probate, council tax, and other estate expenses on an inherited property, he felt like he was sinking. By the time he’d been through probate he’d used up his entire retirement fund and had less than £1500 to his name. By this point he was desperate to sell the house and get back to his normal life in the U.S. But it wasn’t that easy. He needed financial support. 

“I had bills left over when my mother passed away. The council tax and all that kind of stuff. I just figured I’m going to lose the house and that’s just the way it is.”

A long shot that became a life line

Amongst the mounting bills James rediscovered an old Provira leaflet he’d received in the post a few weeks before. At first glance he’d dismissed it, put it to one side and convinced himself they wouldn’t give out probate loans to American citizens. Eventually, figuring he had nothing to lose, he phoned Provira and was immediately struck by the kindness and competence of their team. 

Straight away he felt he was dealing with a specialist loan provider that really wanted to help him, had his best interests at heart and were very accommodating. What stood out to him was their personal touch, their perseverance and unwavering customer-focus. 

“They were just so accommodating, friendly and positive. It was just a really enlightening experience compared to the way I’d been treated during probate.”

Freedom to make decisions again

When his loan was then approved, James was utterly delighted. In his own words he described the moment as a ‘total lifeline’ and the ‘second happiest moment of his life, after meeting his wife, Cheryl.’

For James this wasn’t just about money. This was the freedom to make decisions, a near escape from poverty and a profound sense of security and calm. 

Finally he was able to do things he’d wanted to do for a while: give his daughter money for her wedding, buy the car he needed and take a little time to breathe.

Today, with the financial pressures gone, bills being paid on time each month, James is free to focus on what he wants most: a return to America with Cheryl and Dolly, his dog.

“It was an amazing feeling, having financial freedom. Freedom to make decisions that you want to make.”