Inheritance planning

What happens to your crypto after you're gone?

Crafting an inheritance blueprint

If you see Bitcoin as wealth for generations to come, you can't overlook inheritance planning. Locking down your wallet is crucial, but don't forget that you are the single point of failure. Life throws curveballs, so make sure your loved ones can access your crypto if the unexpected happens.

Without a plan, crypto can be lost forever. There's no "forgot password" button for a hardware wallet, and no bank to call.

Cover both sides: technical and legal

A solid plan addresses both:

• Technical: how will your heirs find and access your wallets, without making it easy for anyone else to steal them?
• Legal: your will or trust should mention your digital assets so they pass to the right people.

Practical first steps:

• Make an inventory of where your crypto lives: exchanges, hardware wallets and apps.
• Write a letter of instruction for your heirs explaining how to access each one. Store it securely, separate from your recovery phrases.
• Consider multisig. A wallet that needs two of three keys to move funds removes the single point of failure.
• Talk to an estate attorney who understands digital assets.

Resources I recommend

• Pamela Morgan's book, Cryptoasset Inheritance Planning: A Simple Guide for Owners. A goldmine covering both the technical and legal sides, including how to avoid conflicts among heirs.
• Unchained: offers Bitcoin custody and inheritance services built around multisig.

The bottom line: a solid inheritance plan makes sure your digital wealth reaches the next generation, no matter what life throws your way.

Want to talk through your situation? Book a free 15-minute call.