Cryptoassets in Estates

28th February 2023
Cryptoassets in Estates image

Cryptoassets in Estates

Executors are facing new challenges when it comes to the administration of a loved ones estate in the form of cryptoassets and digital currency.

There is estimated to be around 130 million users of bitcoin alone with the crypto market now being
worth around $1 trillion in value. Unlike a standard bank account, access to such assets requires online log in details, access to a particular App on a deceased’s phone or their ‘virtual wallet’ and it is unusual for there to be a bereavement team to contact for assistance. As the asset exists purely virtually the Courts have had to establish a whole new form of identity for these assets outside of the term ‘property’ in English Law.

The starting point to deal with a deceased’s digital and crypto asset is to look at what devices they
had. Crypto and digital assets can be stored on hard-drives, laptops, tablets, smart phones and
hardware wallets. If the Personal Representatives are then able to locate these cryptoassets they
will need the key entries to be able to access them. In a digital wallet the account holder of the
cryptoassets will have a public and private key to be able to access and conduct any transactions.
Essentially a public key is like an account number which is used to identify the user and the private
key is like a pin number which only the owner will have access to. It is therefore advised to see if the deceased stored these keys anywhere such as in any paper trails or digital files. It may not always be that simple to find these passcodes/keys however if you are able to locate them it is advised that an expert accesses these accounts as Personal Representatives may not have the knowledge to do so and may not be covered for any losses to the estate.

It may also be the case that the deceased owned cryptoassets through third party intermediaries
who safeguard those assets on their behalf. A further complication that must be overcome.
The value of a cryptoasset does count towards the deceased’s estate for inheritance tax purposes
and so it is important to locate these assets to avoid making any false representations to the
revenue.

Once access has been obtained, the cryptoasset can be transferred to another wallet, for example to a beneficiary of the estate or to the executor, or it can be converted to currency to be cashed out.

Bitcoin reports that more than 4 billion bitcoins have not been located or accessed when dealing
with a deceased’s estate. Without any key information the likelihood is that these cryptoassets are inaccessible and lost forever.

Maples Solicitors are now encouraging clients to prepare what is referred to as a ‘digital will’. This is a document setting out exactly what crypto assets an individual has and all details in relation to access to those assets included the virtual keys. This digital will also include passwords to mobile telephones, email passwords and all other potential online and security information that the
executors will need to access virtual currency or online only accounts belonging to the deceased.
The digital will is safely stored with the original will and can be updated at any time without need to update the original will. It is hoped that practical steps such as these will assist Executors in the future.

If you have any queries or concerns in relation to cryptocurrency, the administration of an estate or
your own will then please contact one of the members of our Private Client Department:-

Jamie Dobbs- jamie.dobbs@maplessolicitors.com

Jane Mawer- jane.mawer@maplessolicitors.com

Faye Blair- faye.blair@maplessolcitors.com

Or telephone the office 01775 722261 and ask to speak with one of the team.


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Coffee Morning and Pop-Up Clinic

Join us at The Ruby Hunt Centre, Church Street, Donington, PE11 4UA on Monday 11th March 2024 between 10am and 12pm for a free coffee morning and pop-up clinic to talk about Wills, Powers of Attorney and financial planning for Care Homes.

If you cannot join us for the coffee morning, please contact one of our lawyers in the Wills and Probate Department to discuss a home visit.

Or telephone the office 01775 722261 and ask to speak with one of the team.

We look forward to seeing you there.

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Testimonials

Jamie Dobbs FCILEx

"I should like to take this opportunity to express my very sincere and grateful thanks for Jamie's unfailing helpfulness and efficiency in all aspects of the handling of my late stepmother's estate. Jamie have always replied to my (many!) queries promptly and comprehensively which has been a enormous help throughout what I know can be a fraught and stressful process. Sadly, it is increasingly rare these days to experience the highs standards of service that Jamie has provided."

Gemma Mayer LLB

"I would highly recommend Maples Solicitors, especially Gemma Mayer, for any conveyancing work. The level of support and professionalism was excellent at all times. I also felt if I needed to ask or clarify anything that it was not an issue. Buying and selling a house is stressful enough, but Gemma helped me through it step by step."

Anita Toal LLB BA

"I think you are brilliant. You can use my comments above. You are efficient, friendly and quite clearly very good at what you do. Mainly you don’t leave people hanging around too long for." "So easy to talk to her and she understood what I wanted. She put me at ease and I cant thank her enough"

James Turner BA

James Turner was extremely helpful with our buying process. Everything went smoothly. We are very happy with the level of professionalism demonstrated by the office. Highly recommended solicitors. Will definitely do business with them again.

Daven Naghen LLB

"Daven provided an excellent service, from attending the first interview with me to the final court appearance. He filled me full of confidence that he would defend me to which he did and come out with an excellent outcome in view of my position that I had put myself in."

Faye Blair LLB

Faye was excellent, sensitive and acted very well to the time constraints we faced. Great service and dealt with compassion at such sad times made the process less painful very professional.

Jamie Dobbs GCILEx

Over the last forty years I have cause to deal with many law firms both in a personal and professional capacity, including some ‘top’ London Companies. In all of those dealings I have never found anyone as proactive and so willing to offer help and advice as Jamie Dobbs. During the last two years Jamie guided my parents through the completion of Lasting Powers of Attorney. Helped myself with the use of the LPA and recently dealing with Probate and Estate Administration following their death.

Mike Pepper MA

Mike Pepper gave us excellent advice. He was always most helpful and accommodating giving lucid explanations every step of the way. Thank you Mike.

Donna Sandison FCILEx

Donna has been helpful and professional every step of the way during the process. Always on hand to answer any queries and totally professional and friendly at all times.