Cryptocurrency owners – have you made a will?

Crypto currency is a type of money which is completely virtual, like an on the line version of cash which exists digitally. While some experts argue crypto currency is a risky and volatile investment, it continues to grow in popularity. Crypto currency is one of those odd things which is very private for a lot of people. There are more and more cases of when the family of a person who has died believe they owned Bitcoin but did not have the information to access it following their death. The very nature of the investment means there is often little evidence or information available following a death. This can also happen with online bank accounts.

Making a will with a professional organisation such as a solicitor means that mention can be made at the time of making the will of these otherwise hidden assets. Whilst a solicitor need not necessarily be given access to the assets or passwords, mention can be made of where those passwords can be found, what assets need to be addressed following a death and who has information about them. A professional organisation such as a solicitor has a duty of care and confidentiality to their client so it should be a safe way to ensure privacy but also access following death to assets that might otherwise be lost or forgotten on death.

For more information on making a will please contact our wills and probate Department on (0161) 624 6811 option 3 or email rld@wrigleyclaydon.com