Why crypto needs its own inheritance plan
A bank account can be found and unlocked by an executor with the right documents. Coins in a self-custody wallet cannot: whoever has the seed phrase controls the funds, and whoever does not, does not โ no court order changes that. Even coins on an exchange are hard to claim if nobody knows which exchanges you used, which e-mail address the accounts are linked to, or that they exist at all.
The challenge is to make recovery possible for the right person later without making theft easy for the wrong person now. The checklist is built around that balance: write down where things are and who knows what, keep the secrets themselves in protected places, and make sure no single place or person holds everything.
How to use the checklist
Go through the five sections โ inventory, backups, access, instructions and maintenance โ and tick what is already done. The progress bar shows how far along you are. Print the result or save it as a PDF or Word document: the printed version has blank lines for the date, the trusted person, the lawyer or notary and where the letter of instruction is kept. Fill those in by hand.
Treat the printed checklist as a map, not a vault. It should be safe to leave with your will or your lawyer because it contains no secrets. The seed phrases, passphrases and PINs stay in the backup locations the map points to.
What goes into a letter of instruction
The letter is the document your heirs will actually read. Write it for someone who has never used a crypto wallet:
- What exists: wallets by name and type, exchanges and services, roughly what is where.
- Where the backups are and how many are needed (for example โ2 of the 3 metal platesโ).
- Which wallet app or device to use to restore, step by step, and where to send funds afterwards.
- Who can help technically โ someone trustworthy who does not hold the secrets.
- A clear warning: nobody legitimate, including โsupportโ from any company, will ever ask for the seed phrase.
- Where trade history and cost-basis records are kept, because heirs may need them for taxes.
Keep the letter separate from the backups. A letter plus one backup location should not be enough to move the funds โ otherwise anyone who finds both can take them.
Common mistakes
- A single paper backup in a desk drawer โ one fire or one curious visitor away from loss or theft.
- Secrets stored in a password manager or e-mail that nobody else can open.
- A passphrase (25th word) that only exists in your head.
- Telling heirs โitโs all on my laptopโ โ encrypted disks and forgotten passwords make that useless.
- Never testing the backup. Restore it once on a spare device before you rely on it.
- Putting the seed phrase in the will โ wills can become public documents in some countries.
Frequently asked questions
+Is the crypto inheritance checklist free?
Yes. Use it online, print it or download the Word template โ no account and no e-mail.
+Do I enter my seed phrase anywhere?
Never. The checklist records only where things are and who knows what. Do not type seed phrases, private keys, passwords or PINs into this or any website.
+Should I put my seed phrase in my will?
Generally no. In many places wills are read by several people and can become part of public records. Reference the existence of digital assets and the letter of instruction instead, and ask a lawyer how to do this in your country.
+What about coins on exchanges?
List every exchange and the e-mail used for it, and keep 2FA recovery codes with the instructions. Heirs will usually need a death certificate and proof of inheritance to claim an exchange account.
+How often should I update the plan?
At least once a year and after every new wallet, exchange account or major move of funds.
+Can I download the template for free without registration?
Yes. The Word (.docx) file is a direct link on this page: no account, no e-mail and no payment. You can also use the online version above and export your own numbers.
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