Imagine building a fortune in cryptocurrency—years of smart investments, patience, and risk finally paying off. But then, in an instant, it’s all gone. Not because of a market crash, but because no one knows how to access your digital assets after you’re gone.
This nightmare became a reality for one crypto investor who tragically passed away at just 33 years old, reports the article “Estate Planning With Cryptocurrencies” from Think Advisor. His estate was rumored to contain $60 million in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies. But there was one problem—he never left behind the information needed to access his digital wallets. His entire fortune vanished, locked away forever in the blockchain.
This isn’t just an isolated case. Many crypto investors don’t realize that without proper estate planning, their digital wealth could be permanently lost. At Vick Law, we help you secure your investments and ensure your loved ones can access them when the time comes.
Why Estate Planning for Cryptocurrency is Critical
Unlike traditional bank accounts or investment portfolios, cryptocurrency operates outside of centralized systems.There’s no "customer service" to call if something goes wrong. If your family doesn’t have your private keys, passwords, or security protocols, your digital assets die with you.
Even worse, wealthy crypto investors are increasingly targeted by scammers, hackers, and fraudsters. Without the right protections in place, your assets could be stolen or lost.
But there’s good news: you can take steps now to protect your crypto wealth.
How to Secure Your Cryptocurrency in an Estate Plan
At Vick Law, we help you create a solid plan to ensure your crypto fortune isn’t lost forever. Here’s how:
- Keep Access Information Secure & Private
You need to document your wallet locations, private keys, and security steps—but NOT in a will (since wills become public records in probate). Instead, we recommend using a Letter of Instruction or a secure third-party service to store this sensitive information.
- Use a Trust for Crypto Assets Placing cryptocurrency in a trust ensures that a trusted person can manage and access your holdings. Trustees familiar with digital investments can oversee the funds and distribute them according to your wishes.
- Name a Digital Executor A digital executor is someone you designate to manage your online and digital assets, including cryptocurrency. This person should understand blockchain technology or be able to work with a specialist.
- Regularly Update Your Plan Crypto is constantly evolving. You need an estate plan that evolves with it—updating security details, wallet locations, and private key information as needed.
Don’t Let Your Crypto Vanish—Plan Today
The worst thing you can do is assume your loved ones will “figure it out” after you're gone. Without a clear estate plan, your years of investing could disappear into digital oblivion.
At Vick Law, we make estate planning simple—even for complex assets like cryptocurrency. Let’s ensure your digital wealth is protected and accessible to those you trust. Book a call with Vick Law today.
Reference: Financial Advisor (Jan. 6, 2025) “Estate Planning With Cryptocurrencies”
