Hugh Phelan Solicitor & Notary Public — Douglas, Cork
Wills · Probate · Enduring Power of Attorney · Notarisation & Apostille
📞 021-489-7134 Book Appointment →Your digital footprint has real value — and if you die without addressing it in your will, much of it could be lost forever. This is Ireland's guide to digital estate planning in 2026.
What Are Digital Assets?
- Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Ethereum and other tokens (potentially significant value)
- Online accounts: PayPal, revolut, trading accounts with balances
- Social media: Monetised YouTube channels, Instagram accounts with commercial value
- Digital businesses: E-commerce stores, websites, apps, domain names
- Content libraries: Digital photos, videos, music (rights and royalties)
- Loyalty points: Airmiles, credit card rewards (some transferable)
The Crypto Problem
Cryptocurrency held in a private wallet is secured by a seed phrase — a sequence of words that is the only key to the wallet. If your executor doesn't have this, your crypto is permanently inaccessible. It cannot be recovered by anyone, including exchanges.
How to Plan for Digital Assets in Your Will
| Asset Type | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Crypto (cold wallet) | Secure seed phrase separately; reference in will; tell executor where to find it |
| Crypto (exchange) | Note exchange name, account; executor will need ID verification |
| Online business | List all platforms, login details secured; transfer procedures |
| Social media | Legacy contact (Facebook) or memorialisation instructions |
| Domain names | Note registrar; transfer access details to executor |
Key rule: Never put private keys, passwords or seed phrases IN the will itself — wills become public documents after probate. Keep them in a secure, private document referenced by the will.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave cryptocurrency in my Irish will?
Yes. Cryptocurrency is an asset that can be left to beneficiaries in your will. However, your executor must be able to access it — ensure seed phrases/private keys are stored securely and your executor knows how to access them.
What happens to my social media if I die without a will?
Social media platforms have varying policies — Facebook allows a legacy contact, Instagram can be memorialised. Without instructions, your family may struggle to access or manage your accounts.
How do I include digital assets in my Irish will?
Reference your digital assets in the will and keep detailed access instructions in a secure document your executor knows about. Hugh Phelan Solicitor can advise on the best approach.
Hugh Phelan Solicitor & Notary Public — Douglas, Cork
Wills · Probate · Enduring Power of Attorney · Notarisation & Apostille
📞 021-489-7134 Book Appointment →