The importance of having an estate plan for digital assets has never been greater. With traditional, liquid assets like money and insurance policies, passing on these assets at the owner’s death can happen quite seamlessly with designations like beneficiary, payable on death, and transferable on death. While these financial institutions have entire departments dedicated to ascertaining the assets of the deceased, what about digital assets? Currently, the digital asset space lacks robust customer support teams, beneficiary options for ease of transfer upon death, or even physical office locations for customers to visit.
Having an estate plan that accurately articulates the scope and storage of one’s digital assets is vital to properly pass these assets upon death. Without a proper estate plan in place, these assets might be left untouched because the decedent’s loved ones know very little about the digital asset space or may even be unaware of their existence.
With a skilled estate planner well-versed in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and digital asset space, you can safely incorporate these advanced assets into your overall wishes. The digital asset space is a rapidly changing one, so it’s crucial to hire a professional who understands the space and its future trajectory.
The safeguarding of digital assets often requires passwords or seed phrases. While many individuals understand the need to protect sensitive information, it is common that safely providing this information to loved ones in the event of a death is an afterthought.
With the digital asset space progressing daily, the horror stories of losing access to these assets are becoming more prevalent. Ensuring one’s passwords or seed phrases are secure from acts of God, such as a house fire, hurricane, flood, and other natural disasters, is critical.
As technology and the digital asset space progresses, private companies and financial institutions will likely develop and offer built-in succession plans. Hiring an estate planner that is up to date with current and upcoming developments is crucial to ensure your digital assets are as secure as possible.
One of the most important aspects of planning around digital assets is often the most overlooked. It is quite common for one spouse to be very educated and entrenched in how the technology around cryptocurrency or Bitcoin works, but the other spouse is unaware of these intricacies.
It may sound counterintuitive to some, but at some point, a loved one or trusted fiduciary will need to be able to access one’s passwords or seed phrases to transfer these assets. Hiring a savvy estate planner can help explain to beneficiaries what these assets are, how they function, and how they are transferred and stored.
Going through probate can be a time-consuming process for your loved ones, leaving them without access to your assets for some time. Our team of professionals will guide clients through the process and provide updates throughout probate.
Our years of experience have also made us excellent partners in business endeavors. Our team is prepared to guide you through any concerns with establishing and maintaining your business.
In cases where an individual is incapable of handling their own decisions, this power may need to be transferred to another either temporarily or permanently. Our lawyers can help you through the petition process so that you can protect your loved one’s assets and give them the help they need.
“Recently, I realized that I needed counsel on reliable crypto management and security to ensure my distribution wishes upon my passing. Kyle not only helped me understand the current crypto security situation, but also crafted a devise linking my assets to my will and trust, removing all my concerns over loss or theft. In other words, after seeing Kyle, I feel like my crypto assets are as good as ‘in the vault.’”
At Crow Estate Planning & Probate, our staff is experienced in modern estate planning that encompasses both traditional and digital assets. Any Tennessee or Kentucky resident looking to protect their digital assets and explore other areas of estate planning can take advantage of a free consultation with one of our attorneys. Contact Crow Estate Planning and Probate today to ensure your digital assets are protected and passed on according to your wishes.
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Where do I begin? I truly can’t say enough nice things about Crow Estate Planning & Probate and Alexandra Hulme, without her and everyone around her, I can truly say I don’t know where I would be today. Like many after losing my mother, I was lost, in a dark place and things weren’t happening how my mother had planned in her trust and will. Before waiting too long, I retained Alexandra’s services and she took me through the process step-by-step. Something that I never thought I could afford or I’d have to do. She knew I wasn’t asking her to do anything more than complete my mother’s last wishes. She did just that. They did it because they’re passionate about what they do. Communication was A+. She never left me hanging. I know family means a lot to her/them. I am indebted to her and these people forever. If you need help, call her today. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Thank you Alexandra from the bottom of my heart.
I was referred to John by a fellow real estate investor when I needed guidance on structuring a couple of LLCs. From the start, he made the process incredibly smooth and straightforward. John was consistently responsive, thorough in his explanations, and showed a genuine commitment to getting everything completed on time—even working late to accommodate my schedule while I was operating from Hawaii, several time zones away. His mix of professionalism, attention to detail, and approachable demeanor made the entire experience seamless. I’m grateful to have him as a resource and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable and knowledgeable attorney.
Bridget and Thomas were very professional and knowledgeable in responding to my needs. Also, they were very organized and easy to work with.
This firm has done several things for me and real estate clients. Most recently setting up a TIST (Tennessee Investment Services Trust). And redoing my Will, Medical Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Directive. Appreciated their understanding of all of the intricacies of each document. Their timely communication and prompt service.
I cannot recommend Thomas Steelman highly enough! From the very start, he made the entire process of setting up our estate trust absolutely painless. His expertise and clear explanations turned what I expected to be a daunting task into a smooth and stress-free experience.
Not only did he handle every aspect of our estate trust with great attention to detail, but he (and law firm colleagues) also took care of transferring over our home deeds so we didn’t have to deal with the hassle of going to the county office ourselves. That alone saved us so much time and stress!
I honestly thought the process was going to cost a small fortune, but I was pleasantly surprised by how reasonable the pricing was. Most importantly, though, Thomas gave us peace of mind knowing that our hard-earned assets are protected and will go exactly where we want them—without placing unnecessary burdens on our loved ones.
If you’re looking for a knowledgeable and professional estate trust attorney, Thomas and team are the ones to trust. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
John and his team are professional and do quality work.
John and his team did an amazing job helping my family get our affairs in order. Could not recommend them more!
hey are so prompt to respond and attentive!
Alexandra Hulme was extremely helpful, professional, and punctual! I highly recommend using this firm.
Highly recommend for all of your probate needs. Compassionate and professional.
John Crow 
Thomas Steelman 
