Executor's guide to a crypto estate

Before you act on behalf of the estate, establish what role you have and which powers come with it. This can depend on the applicable law, the appointment, the will or other relevant documents, and the specific situation; check this where necessary via the official information for your jurisdiction or a competent local estate professional. You do not need prior experience with crypto. Executor powers vary; if in doubt about the scope of your role, ask the local professional handling the estate. The administration consists of a number of steps, each with its own points of attention and risks. This page gives you the overview and links each step to the relevant guide.

The order of work

1. Locate. Search the estate lawfully for evidence that crypto existed: documents, devices, bank and tax records, correspondence with exchanges. Possession of a device is not ownership. See how to find someone’s crypto after they passed away.
2. Preserve everything. Do not reset or update anything, do not guess PINs on or “check” any device, paper or backup, and do not change the power or network state unnecessarily: both powering off and leaving a device connected can affect data or access in certain situations; if a device is powered on or potentially important for access, have the appropriate preservation approach assessed before powering off, connecting, unlocking or changing anything. Each attempt can destroy the only access path. See the preservation checklist.
3. Identify what was found. A seed phrase, hardware wallet, wallet file, paper wallet, QR code, exchange account, each has different rules. See what did you find.
4. Establish your authority. Establish who is authorised to act for the estate. An institution may require proof of who may act on behalf of the estate; which document is needed and what it legally shows differs by jurisdiction, role and institution. Check the current requirements with the relevant official body or provider, and do not request access or give instructions about assets before it is clear that you are authorised. See legal authority vs technical access.
5. Inventory. Record everything you found (without ever writing down secrets) so the estate’s documents and professionals can work from facts. See crypto estate inventory.
6. Value. Crypto value is dated and volatile; the estate needs a defensible valuation at the relevant date, under the applicable local rules. See valuation and tax of inherited crypto.
7. Access, exchange or self-custody. Exchange-held assets follow the platform’s official procedure. Self-custody depends on what was left behind. See exchange accounts after a death and wallet recovery: what is realistically possible.
8. Check the reporting and tax obligations. They vary by country and situation; have a local professional confirm what applies to this estate.
9. Distribute, if your role includes it. Which management, sale or distribution powers an executor or other representative has differs by jurisdiction and appointment. Check the specific powers before taking irreversible steps. Where your role covers distribution, it follows the will and the applicable law: decide, document, then move. Also check before sale, payment of debts or distribution how the estate was accepted and whether formal winding-up rules apply. With acceptance under benefit of inventory or a formal liquidation, special rules may apply and the allocation of authority may differ. If needed, establish with the notary or estate lawyer who is authorised and which procedure applies. See dividing crypto between heirs.
10. Record. Keep a chain-of-custody log of who handled what, when, and what was decided. See chain of custody.

What executors get wrong

• Acting before authority. Claiming access or moving assets before your role is confirmed can create legal or practical problems, including liability. Asking about the required procedure and documents is different and can be done.
• Trying things on devices. “Just one look” at a locked device can wipe it.
• Sharing secrets. A notary, tax adviser or standard exchange process does not need your recovery words, private key or wallet password. For specialist technical recovery, an encrypted wallet file, a limited extraction or information about possible passwords may be necessary; agree in advance in writing what will be shared, why, and how it will be secured.
• Guessing the value. A screenshot is not a valuation, and a visible balance is not proof of access or title.

Timeline honesty

There is no universal timeline: authority can take weeks or months, exchanges have their own processing times, and some self-custody problems are simply not solvable. An executor’s job is the correct order and honest records, not speed.

You do not need to be a crypto expert. You do need to follow the order and use the right specialist at the right moment. When to involve whom (and how to verify them) is covered in who can help with inherited crypto.