What Happens to Crypto When You Die?
Crypto does not pass to heirs the way a bank account often does.
What your family gets depends on custody type, account paperwork, estate documents, and whether anyone can legally reach the assets.
Key takeaways
- 01
Exchange balances usually follow the platform’s beneficiary rules or go through probate. Outcomes vary by exchange and state.
- 02
Self-custodied coins are gone if no one can find or use the recovery information through a lawful process. Lost seed phrases are common.
- 03
Plan for documentation and named contacts. Do not expect automatic recovery or a guaranteed transfer just because a wallet exists.
- 04
Stead Life does not custody crypto or private keys. We help clients think through insurance and point them to attorneys and custodians for the rest.
In this guide
- Exchange balances usually follow the platform’s beneficiary rules or go through probate
- Self-custodied coins are gone if no one can find or use the recovery information through a lawful process
- Plan for documentation and named contacts
- Stead Life does not custody crypto or private keys
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