Digital Assets & Crypto in Your Will — Cork Solicitor Advice

Digital assets — including cryptocurrency, NFTs, online accounts and digital businesses — are increasingly significant parts of people's estates. Yet many wills fail to address them properly, leaving families unable to access valuable assets. Hugh Phelan Solicitor advises Cork clients on including digital assets in their estate plan.

What Are Digital Assets?

• Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Ethereum, BMIC and other crypto holdings
• NFTs: Non-fungible tokens with real monetary value
• Online businesses: E-commerce stores, websites, apps
• Domain names: Valuable web addresses
• Online accounts: PayPal balances, gaming accounts, social media with commercial value
• Digital media: Photos, videos, writing (rights and royalties)

How to Include Crypto in Your Will

Do NOT include private keys or seed phrases in the will itself — wills become public documents after probate. Instead:

1. Create a secure record of all digital assets and access details
2. Store this information securely (encrypted, fireproof safe, or with your solicitor)
3. Reference the secure record in your will and tell your executor where to find it
4. Consider using a hardware wallet (e.g. Ledger) and ensure your executor knows how to use it