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What happens to my cryptocurrency in the event of my passing?

What you can prepare for in the event of your passing.

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Written by David Bowen
Updated over a year ago

As Bitcoin and altcoins are on a distributed network without an intermediary, in the event of your sudden passing, your crypto could be inaccessible if you do not have a plan in place.

There are a number of steps you can take to ensure your crypto is protected in the event of a sudden passing, such as:

  • Sharing knowledge of your crypto plan with trusted family members: This can be as straightforward as storing your wallet or seed phrase in a safety deposit box and letting your trusted family members know the whereabouts.

  • Express your desires in a will: Outlining a plan for your cryptocurrency in a legally binding will is a simple way to ensure your cryptocurrency is protected in the event of a death.

  • Providing a death certificate: In the case of cryptocurrency exchanges such as Coinbase, it is possible to present a death certificate, documentation or a will to retrieve cryptocurrency.

  • Create a family trust: Setting up a family trust will ensure loved one’s will have access to the cryptocurrency in the fund.

We highly recommend speaking to a legal professional to ensure your crypto is protected in the event of a death.

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