Crypto Asset Management
Ensure your cryptocurrency and digital assets can be recovered by your heirs.
The Crypto Inheritance Problem
The Challenge:
- Cryptocurrency is secured by private keys (recovery seeds)
- If you die with private keys secret, crypto is permanently lost
- No bank or company can recover lost cryptocurrency
- An estimated $200+ billion in crypto is already lost forever due to death or lost keys
Why It's Different: Traditional assets (bank accounts, stocks) can be recovered with legal documents (death certificate, will, probate). Cryptocurrency cannot - without the recovery seed, it's gone forever.
Common Scenarios:
- "My father passed away. We know he had Bitcoin but can't access his wallet."
- "Found a hardware wallet in the safe but don't have the PIN."
- "He had crypto on Coinbase but we can't get past 2FA."
The Solution: Torvus Crypto Asset Management helps you securely store recovery information so your heirs can access your cryptocurrency after you pass away.
What You Need to Store
Hardware Wallets
What It Is: Physical device that stores cryptocurrency private keys (Ledger, Trezor, ColdCard, etc.)
What Your Heirs Need:
- Physical device (location)
- PIN code (to unlock device)
- Recovery seed (24-word phrase to restore wallet if device lost/broken)
- Passphrase (if using advanced security)
Example:
Hardware Wallet: Ledger Nano X
Location: Home safe, top shelf, black box
PIN: 1234 (example only - use strong PIN)
Recovery Seed: 24 words (see encrypted file: ledger_seed_ENCRYPTED.txt)
Passphrase: 25th word (see encrypted file: ledger_passphrase_ENCRYPTED.txt)
Accounts on this wallet:
- Bitcoin (BTC): ~2.5 BTC (approximately $100K as of March 2025)
- Ethereum (ETH): ~10 ETH (approximately $40K as of March 2025)
- Other: USDC, LINK, UNI (see detailed inventory below)
Instructions: See "How_to_Access_Ledger_Wallet.pdf"
Software Wallets
What It Is: Wallet software on computer or phone (MetaMask, Exodus, Trust Wallet, etc.)
What Your Heirs Need:
- Recovery seed (12 or 24-word phrase)
- Password (if set)
- Which device (laptop, phone, tablet)
- Which wallet app (MetaMask, Exodus, etc.)
Example:
Software Wallet: MetaMask
Device: MacBook Pro (password in password manager)
Recovery Seed: 12 words (see encrypted file: metamask_seed_ENCRYPTED.txt)
Password: [See password manager under "MetaMask"]
Accounts on this wallet:
- Ethereum (ETH): ~3 ETH (approximately $12K as of March 2025)
- Various ERC-20 tokens (see detailed inventory)
Browser: Chrome extension
Instructions: See "How_to_Access_MetaMask.pdf"
Exchange Accounts
What It Is: Cryptocurrency held on exchanges (Coinbase, Kraken, Binance, Gemini, etc.)
What Your Heirs Need:
- Account email
- Password (in password manager)
- 2FA recovery codes (backup codes)
- Account verification details (to prove ownership)
Example:
Exchange: Coinbase
Email: john.smith@email.com
Password: [See password manager under "Coinbase"]
2FA Method: Google Authenticator
2FA Backup Codes: [See encrypted file: coinbase_2fa_backup_codes.txt]
Holdings:
- Bitcoin (BTC): ~1.5 BTC (approximately $60K as of March 2025)
- Ethereum (ETH): ~5 ETH (approximately $20K as of March 2025)
- USDC: $10,000
Instructions:
1. Log in using password from password manager
2. If 2FA device lost, use backup codes to regain access
3. Contact Coinbase support with death certificate to transfer account
(Support: https://help.coinbase.com, include case # if available)
Note: Coinbase has estate transfer process - see official guide:
https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/managing-my-account/other/how-can-i-access-a-deceased-family-members-coinbase-account
NFTs and Blockchain Assets
What It Is: Non-fungible tokens (art, collectibles, domain names on blockchain)
What Your Heirs Need:
- Wallet address (where NFTs are stored)
- Access to wallet (recovery seed)
- Marketplace accounts (OpenSea, Rarible, etc. if using)
- Valuation (what they're worth, or could be worth)
Example:
NFT Collection: Bored Ape Yacht Club #7234
Wallet Address: 0x742d35Cc6634C0532925a3b844Bc9e7595f0bEb (example)
Wallet Type: MetaMask (recovery seed in encrypted file)
Platform: OpenSea (https://opensea.io)
Approximate Value: $50,000 (highly volatile - check current price)
Other NFTs in wallet:
- CryptoPunks #1234 (~$80K)
- Various other NFTs (see OpenSea collection)
Instructions:
1. Access MetaMask wallet using recovery seed
2. Connect to OpenSea
3. View collection and current floor prices
4. Sell via OpenSea or transfer to new wallet
5. Consider consulting NFT specialist before selling (market volatile)
Note: NFT values are HIGHLY volatile. Worth may be significantly higher or lower
by time you read this. Do research before selling.
DeFi and Staking
What It Is: Cryptocurrency locked in DeFi protocols (Uniswap, Aave, Compound) or staking (earning rewards)
What Your Heirs Need:
- Wallet access (recovery seed)
- Which protocols (Uniswap, Aave, etc.)
- How to withdraw (step-by-step instructions)
- Staking details (if tokens are locked and when they unlock)
Example:
DeFi Holdings:
1. Uniswap Liquidity Pool
Wallet: MetaMask (recovery seed in encrypted file)
Position: ETH/USDC pool (~$20K value)
How to Withdraw: See "How_to_Withdraw_Uniswap.pdf"
Note: Withdraw liquidity first, then convert back to ETH/USDC
2. Ethereum Staking
Platform: Lido (stETH)
Amount: 10 ETH staked (earning ~4% APY)
Wallet: MetaMask
How to Unstake: See "How_to_Unstake_Ethereum.pdf"
Note: Unstaking takes 7-14 days (withdrawal queue)
3. Aave Lending
Platform: Aave v3
Supplied: $15K USDC (earning interest)
Wallet: MetaMask
How to Withdraw: See "How_to_Withdraw_Aave.pdf"
IMPORTANT: DeFi is complex. Consider hiring crypto specialist to help
withdraw safely. One wrong transaction = funds lost forever.
Contact: [Crypto specialist name/email if you have one]
Security Best Practices
Recovery Seed Storage
CRITICAL: The recovery seed (12 or 24-word phrase) is the MOST IMPORTANT piece of information. Anyone with the seed can steal all your cryptocurrency.
Best Practices:
Option 1: Encrypted Digital Storage (recommended for Torvus users):
- Create text file with recovery seed
- Encrypt file with strong password (AES-256)
- Upload encrypted file to Digital Legacy vault
- Store decryption password separately:
- Sealed envelope with attorney
- Separate Torvus vault with different release policy
- Split secret method (share 2 of 3 parts with different people)
Example:
File: ledger_wallet_seed_ENCRYPTED.txt (uploaded to vault)
Encryption Password Location: Sealed envelope with attorney John Smith
Attorney Contact: +1-555-0100, john.smith@lawfirm.com
Envelope Instructions: "OPEN ONLY AFTER DEATH - Ledger Wallet Decryption Password"
Option 2: Physical Storage (offline, highest security):
- Write recovery seed on paper or metal plate (fireproof/waterproof)
- Store in safe deposit box or home safe
- In Digital Legacy vault, include location and access instructions
- Never photograph or digitize seed (keeps it offline)
Example:
Ledger Wallet Recovery Seed Location:
- Safe deposit box at Bank of America, Branch #1234
- Box #567
- Key location: Home safe, top drawer, small silver key
Inside box:
- Metal plate with 24-word recovery seed engraved
- Instructions for using seed to restore wallet
Passphrase (25th word): In sealed envelope in same box
Option 3: Split Secret Method (advanced, ultra-secure):
- Split recovery seed into 3 parts using Shamir's Secret Sharing
- Give each part to different trusted person (spouse, sibling, attorney)
- Require 2 of 3 parts to reconstruct seed
- In Digital Legacy vault, explain who has parts and how to reconstruct
Example:
Ledger Wallet Recovery Seed - Split Secret
Seed has been split into 3 parts using Shamir's Secret Sharing.
2 of 3 parts required to reconstruct seed.
Part 1: With spouse Jane Smith (envelope in home safe)
Part 2: With brother Robert Smith (address: [address])
Part 3: With attorney John Smith (secure vault at law office)
Reconstruction Instructions: See "Shamir_Secret_Sharing_Guide.pdf"
This method ensures:
- No single person can steal crypto (need 2 of 3 parts)
- Seed can still be recovered if one person loses their part
- Maximum security and redundancy
Multi-Signature Wallets (Advanced)
What It Is: Wallet that requires multiple signatures (keys) to send transactions (e.g., 2-of-3 multi-sig).
Use Case:
- High-value holdings ($500K+)
- You have one key, spouse has one key, attorney has one key
- Any two can access funds (prevents single point of failure)
- Great for estate planning (spouse + attorney can access after your death)
Example:
Multi-Signature Wallet (2-of-3)
Wallet Type: Gnosis Safe
Blockchain: Ethereum
Wallet Address: 0x123... (example)
Signers:
- Signer 1 (Me): Ledger wallet (recovery seed in encrypted file)
- Signer 2 (Spouse): Trezor wallet (recovery seed with spouse)
- Signer 3 (Attorney): Hardware wallet kept at law office
To Access After Death:
- Spouse (Signer 2) + Attorney (Signer 3) can access funds
- Only need 2 of 3 signatures to move funds
- No dependency on my key (Signer 1)
Holdings: ~$750K in ETH, BTC (wrapped), and stablecoins
Instructions: See "Multi-Sig_Wallet_Guide.pdf"
PIN and Password Security
Hardware Wallet PINs:
- Use strong PIN (8+ digits if supported)
- Write PIN separately from device location
- Consider: PIN in Digital Legacy vault, device location in separate document
Never store together: ❌ BAD: "Ledger in safe, PIN is 1234" (written on same paper) ✅ GOOD: "Ledger in home safe" (in vault), "PIN: 1234" (encrypted file in vault)
Two-Factor Authentication:
- Always enable 2FA on exchange accounts
- Store backup codes in Digital Legacy vault (encrypted)
- Never use SMS 2FA if hardware/app 2FA available (SMS can be hijacked)
Step-by-Step Setup
Phase 1: Inventory (Week 1)
List All Crypto Holdings:
Cryptocurrency Inventory (as of [Date])
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
HARDWARE WALLETS
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
1. Ledger Nano X
Location: [Location]
Holdings:
- Bitcoin (BTC): 2.5 BTC (~$100,000)
- Ethereum (ETH): 10 ETH (~$40,000)
- Other: USDC, LINK, UNI (~$15,000)
Total Value: ~$155,000
2. Trezor Model T
Location: [Location]
Holdings:
- Bitcoin (BTC): 1.0 BTC (~$40,000)
Total Value: ~$40,000
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
SOFTWARE WALLETS
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
3. MetaMask (MacBook)
Holdings:
- Ethereum (ETH): 3 ETH (~$12,000)
- Various ERC-20 tokens (~$8,000)
Total Value: ~$20,000
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
EXCHANGE ACCOUNTS
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
4. Coinbase
Holdings:
- Bitcoin (BTC): 1.5 BTC (~$60,000)
- Ethereum (ETH): 5 ETH (~$20,000)
- USDC: $10,000
Total Value: ~$90,000
5. Kraken
Holdings:
- Bitcoin (BTC): 0.5 BTC (~$20,000)
- Various altcoins (~$5,000)
Total Value: ~$25,000
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
NFTs & BLOCKCHAIN ASSETS
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
6. NFT Collection (MetaMask wallet)
- Bored Ape Yacht Club #7234 (~$50,000)
- CryptoPunks #1234 (~$80,000)
- Various other NFTs (~$20,000)
Total Value: ~$150,000
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
DeFi HOLDINGS
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
7. DeFi Protocols (MetaMask wallet)
- Uniswap liquidity pool: ~$20,000
- Ethereum staking (Lido): 10 ETH (~$40,000)
- Aave lending: $15,000 USDC
Total Value: ~$75,000
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
TOTAL PORTFOLIO VALUE: ~$555,000
────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───
Last Updated: [Date]
Note: Crypto values are HIGHLY volatile. Actual value may be significantly
higher or lower by time you read this.
Phase 2: Document Access Information (Week 2)
For Each Asset:
Hardware Wallets:
- Document device location
- Document PIN code
- Backup recovery seed (24 words)
- Backup passphrase (if using 25th word)
- Create step-by-step recovery instructions
Software Wallets:
- Export recovery seed (12 or 24 words)
- Document wallet password
- Note which device wallet is installed on
- Create step-by-step access instructions
Exchange Accounts:
- Document email and password
- Export 2FA backup codes
- Note exchange's estate transfer process (if they have one)
- Create step-by-step access instructions
NFTs:
- List all NFTs and current floor prices
- Document wallet where NFTs are stored
- Explain how to view on marketplaces
- Warn about volatility and research before selling
DeFi:
- List all DeFi positions
- Explain how to withdraw from each protocol
- Note if tokens are locked and when they unlock
- Consider recommending crypto specialist for withdrawal
Phase 3: Create Recovery Instructions (Week 3)
Create Detailed Guides:
Example: "How_to_Access_Ledger_Wallet.pdf":
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
HOW TO ACCESS LEDGER NANO X WALLET
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
This guide will help you recover ~$155,000 in cryptocurrency from my
Ledger Nano X hardware wallet.
IMPORTANT: Follow these steps carefully. One wrong move can result in
permanent loss of funds. Consider hiring a crypto specialist to help.
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
WHAT YOU NEED
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
1. Ledger Nano X device
Location: Home safe, top shelf, black box
2. PIN code
See encrypted file: "ledger_pin_ENCRYPTED.txt"
Decryption password: [See separate instructions]
3. Recovery seed (24 words)
See encrypted file: "ledger_seed_ENCRYPTED.txt"
Decryption password: [See separate instructions]
4. Passphrase (25th word)
See encrypted file: "ledger_passphrase_ENCRYPTED.txt"
Decryption password: [See separate instructions]
5. Computer with internet connection
6. Ledger Live software (free download)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Option A: If you have the physical Ledger device and PIN
----------------------------------------------------------
1. Find the Ledger Nano X device (black box in home safe)
2. Download Ledger Live software:
- Go to: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live
- Click "Download Ledger Live"
- Install on your computer (Mac or Windows)
3. Connect Ledger device to computer (USB cable)
4. Enter PIN code:
- Turn on device (button on side)
- Enter PIN when prompted (see encrypted file for PIN)
- You have 3 attempts - if you enter wrong PIN 3 times, device wipes itself
(don't worry, you can restore with recovery seed)
5. Open Ledger Live and follow prompts:
- Click "Add Account"
- Select Bitcoin
- Device will show accounts - confirm on device
- Repeat for Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies
6. View your balances:
- Bitcoin: ~2.5 BTC
- Ethereum: ~10 ETH
- Other tokens: USDC, LINK, UNI
7. To send funds to an exchange (to convert to cash):
- Create account on Coinbase or Kraken
- Get your deposit address from exchange
- In Ledger Live, click "Send"
- Enter exchange deposit address
- Confirm on Ledger device
- Funds will arrive in 10-60 minutes (depending on network)
Option B: If device is lost/broken or you forgot PIN
-----------------------------------------------------
You can restore the wallet using the 24-word recovery seed.
1. Buy new Ledger device (or compatible device)
- Ledger Nano X: $149 (https://www.ledger.com)
- Or: Trezor Model T (also compatible with seed)
2. Download Ledger Live software (see step 2 above)
3. Set up device as "Restore" (not "New device"):
- Turn on new device
- Choose "Restore from recovery phrase"
- Enter all 24 words from recovery seed (see encrypted file)
- Enter passphrase when prompted (25th word - see encrypted file)
4. Set new PIN (your choice)
5. Connect to Ledger Live and add accounts (see steps 5-7 above)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
CONVERTING TO CASH
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
To convert cryptocurrency to USD:
1. Create account on exchange (Coinbase or Kraken recommended)
- Verify identity (government ID required)
- Link bank account
2. Send crypto from Ledger to exchange:
- Get deposit address from exchange
- Send from Ledger Live (see instructions above)
- Wait for confirmation (10-60 minutes)
3. Sell crypto for USD:
- In exchange, click "Sell"
- Choose amount to sell
- Funds convert to USD instantly
4. Withdraw USD to bank account:
- Click "Withdraw"
- Enter bank account (linked in step 1)
- Funds arrive in 1-5 business days
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IMPORTANT WARNINGS
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
⚠️ NEVER share recovery seed with anyone (except trusted specialist)
Anyone with seed can steal all funds
⚠️ NEVER enter seed on websites or apps (only on Ledger device itself)
Scam websites will steal your crypto
⚠️ VERIFY addresses carefully before sending
One wrong character = funds lost forever, no way to reverse
⚠️ Be aware of taxes
Selling crypto is taxable event - consult with accountant
Contact: Michael Chen, CPA (+1-555-0300)
⚠️ Crypto values are volatile
Check current prices before selling - values may be much higher or lower
than estimates in this guide
⚠️ Consider professional help
If uncomfortable with these steps, hire crypto specialist
Recommended: [Name/contact if you have one]
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
TROUBLESHOOTING
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Problem: "Invalid PIN" error
Solution: Try again carefully. After 3 wrong attempts, device wipes.
If that happens, use Option B (restore from seed).
Problem: "Seed word not recognized"
Solution: Check spelling carefully. All 24 words must be from BIP39 wordlist.
Wordlist: https://github.com/bitcoin/bips/blob/master/bip-0039/english.txt
Problem: Balances showing zero after restore
Solution: You may have entered passphrase incorrectly, or seed doesn't match this device.
Double-check seed and passphrase.
Problem: Transaction fails or "insufficient funds" error
Solution: May not have enough to cover network fees.
Keep small amount (~$50-100) in wallet to cover fees.
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
NEED HELP?
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Ledger Support: https://support.ledger.com
Torvus Support: support@torvussecurity.com, 1-800-XXX-XXXX
Accountant (for tax questions): Michael Chen, +1-555-0300
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Last Updated: March 15, 2025
Phase 4: Organize in Digital Legacy Vault (Week 4)
Folder Structure:
📁 Digital Legacy Vault
📁 04_Accounts
📁 04e_Cryptocurrency
📁 Overview
📄 Crypto_Portfolio_Inventory.pdf (complete list)
📄 Total_Value_Summary.pdf
📄 Important_Warnings.txt
📁 Hardware_Wallets
📁 Ledger_Nano_X
📄 How_to_Access_Ledger_Wallet.pdf
📄 ledger_pin_ENCRYPTED.txt
📄 ledger_seed_ENCRYPTED.txt (24 words)
📄 ledger_passphrase_ENCRYPTED.txt (25th word)
📄 device_location.txt
📁 Trezor_Model_T
📄 How_to_Access_Trezor_Wallet.pdf
📄 trezor_pin_ENCRYPTED.txt
📄 trezor_seed_ENCRYPTED.txt
📄 device_location.txt
📁 Software_Wallets
📁 MetaMask
📄 How_to_Access_MetaMask.pdf
📄 metamask_seed_ENCRYPTED.txt
📄 metamask_password.txt (in password manager)
📁 Exchange_Accounts
📁 Coinbase
📄 How_to_Access_Coinbase.pdf
📄 coinbase_credentials.txt (in password manager)
📄 coinbase_2fa_backup_codes_ENCRYPTED.txt
📄 Coinbase_Estate_Transfer_Process.pdf
📁 Kraken
📄 How_to_Access_Kraken.pdf
📄 kraken_credentials.txt (in password manager)
📄 kraken_2fa_backup_codes_ENCRYPTED.txt
📁 NFTs
📄 NFT_Collection_Inventory.pdf
📄 How_to_View_and_Sell_NFTs.pdf
📄 NFT_Valuation_Guide.pdf
📁 DeFi
📄 DeFi_Holdings_Overview.pdf
📄 How_to_Withdraw_Uniswap.pdf
📄 How_to_Unstake_Ethereum.pdf
📄 How_to_Withdraw_Aave.pdf
📁 Specialists_and_Resources
📄 Recommended_Crypto_Specialist.txt (if you have one)
📄 Helpful_Resources.pdf (links to guides, tools, etc.)
📄 Tax_Information.pdf (crypto tax basics)
📄 START_HERE.txt (overview and where to begin)
📄 Decryption_Password_Location.txt (where to find password for encrypted files)
Phase 5: Set Up Beneficiaries (Week 5)
Choose Crypto-Savvy Beneficiary (if possible):
- Ideally someone who understands cryptocurrency
- Or willing to learn / hire specialist
- Can handle technical recovery process
Add Beneficiaries:
- Primary: Crypto-savvy family member or executor
- Secondary: Estate attorney or trusted advisor
- Emergency: Crypto specialist (paid to assist family)
Configure Access:
- Full access to cryptocurrency folder
- Include warnings about security and scams
- Recommend they hire specialist if uncomfortable
Phase 6: Test and Update (Ongoing)
Quarterly:
- Update portfolio values (prices change constantly)
- Check that all wallets still accessible
- Verify exchange accounts still active
- Check in (if using time-based release)
Annually:
- Test recovery process (restore wallet from seed on new device)
- Update recovery instructions if wallet software changed
- Review and update beneficiaries if needed
- Consult with accountant on crypto tax implications
After Major Changes:
- New wallet purchased
- Significant buy/sell activity
- Moved crypto to new exchange or wallet
- NFT purchases or sales
Special Considerations
Tax Implications
Crypto and Taxes:
- Selling crypto is taxable event (capital gains tax)
- Inheriting crypto: Cost basis "steps up" to value at date of death
- Heirs can sell immediately with minimal tax (if value hasn't changed since death)
- Important: Consult accountant before selling large amounts
Example:
You bought Bitcoin at $20,000, dies when Bitcoin is $50,000.
Cost basis for heir: $50,000 (steps up to date-of-death value)
If heir sells at $51,000: Only $1,000 taxable gain (not $31,000)
If heir sells at $49,000: $1,000 tax loss (can offset other gains)
This is why accurate valuation at date of death is important.
Include in Vault:
Cryptocurrency Tax Information
Accountant: Michael Chen, CPA
Phone: +1-555-0300
Email: mchen@chenaccounting.com
Important for taxes:
- Date of death valuation (price of each crypto on date I died)
- Cost basis information (what I paid for crypto - in tax records)
- Transaction history (available on exchanges and blockchain explorers)
Instructions:
1. Get date-of-death valuation (check coinmarketcap.com for historical prices)
2. Consult with Michael before selling (plan for capital gains tax)
3. Keep records of all sales for tax filing
Crypto tax rules are complex - don't skip this step!
Scams and Security
Warn Your Heirs:
⚠️ CRITICAL SECURITY WARNINGS ⚠️
Cryptocurrency scams are EXTREMELY common. Please read carefully.
1. NEVER share recovery seed with anyone claiming to "help"
Scammers impersonate:
- Ledger support (real Ledger NEVER asks for seed)
- Exchange support
- "Crypto recovery services"
- Anyone asking for seed is trying to steal your crypto
2. NEVER enter recovery seed on websites or apps
Only enter seed on physical Ledger/Trezor device itself
Scam websites look identical to real ones - double-check URL
3. NEVER send crypto to anyone promising to "help recover" or "double your crypto"
All crypto transactions are irreversible - no way to get funds back if scammed
4. VERIFY all addresses before sending
Scammers use address-switching malware
Copy-paste addresses, then DOUBLE-CHECK every character
5. If it sounds too good to be true, it's a scam
"Double your Bitcoin in 24 hours" = scam
"Recover lost crypto for a fee" = usually scam
"Send 1 BTC, get 2 BTC back" = definitely scam
6. Use only official software
Ledger Live: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live (only)
Trezor Suite: https://trezor.io/trezor-suite (only)
Be extremely cautious of fake/phishing websites
7. Consider hiring a reputable crypto specialist
If uncomfortable with technical process, hire professional help
Recommended: [Name/contact if you have one]
Cost: Typically 1-5% of assets (worth it for security and peace of mind)
REMEMBER: Cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed.
One mistake = permanent loss of funds.
Take your time, be cautious, ask for professional help if needed.
Crypto Specialist Recommendation
If You Have One:
Recommended Cryptocurrency Specialist
Name: [Specialist Name]
Company: [Company Name]
Phone: +1-555-XXXX
Email: specialist@email.com
Website: https://website.com
Services:
- Assist with wallet recovery
- Secure transfer of funds
- Conversion to fiat currency
- Tax planning and reporting
- Estate settlement guidance
Why I recommend them:
[Brief explanation of why you trust them]
Fee structure:
[Typical fee: 1-5% of assets, or hourly rate]
Contact them if you need help recovering or transferring my cryptocurrency.
They are trustworthy and experienced with estate situations.
If You Don't Have One:
Finding a Cryptocurrency Specialist
If you need help recovering cryptocurrency, here's how to find reputable help:
1. Ask my financial advisor (Sarah Johnson, +1-555-0200)
She may know crypto specialists she trusts
2. Ask my accountant (Michael Chen, +1-555-0300)
He may work with crypto specialists for tax planning
3. Look for:
- CPA or CFP with crypto expertise
- Estate attorney with crypto experience
- Reputable crypto consulting firms
4. RED FLAGS (avoid these):
- Asks for recovery seed upfront (NEVER share seed)
- Asks for payment in crypto (pay with USD/check only)
- No verifiable business or credentials
- Promises guaranteed returns or "double your crypto"
- High-pressure tactics or urgency
5. Safe approach:
- Meet in person or video call (verify identity)
- Pay for consultation first (don't give access to assets yet)
- Ask for references and credentials
- Start with small amount to test trustworthiness
Be extremely cautious - crypto scams are common.
FAQ
Can I include my recovery seed directly in the vault?
Not recommended unless you encrypt it first. Anyone with access to vault before your death (e.g., Torvus employees if subpoenaed, hackers) could steal your crypto.
Best practice: Encrypt sensitive files (recovery seeds, PINs) with strong password, store decryption password separately (sealed envelope, attorney, split secret).
What if cryptocurrency values change significantly?
Update portfolio values quarterly or annually. Warn heirs that crypto is volatile and actual value may be much higher or lower than estimates.
Do I need to list every small cryptocurrency holding?
For holdings under $1,000, you can group as "Various small holdings - total ~$X". Focus detailed instructions on significant holdings ($5K+).
What if I have cryptocurrency I obtained... let's say, unconventionally?
You should still document it for your heirs (they're entitled to inherit all assets). Consult with attorney and accountant on tax implications. Torvus doesn't judge - we just help you pass assets to heirs securely.
Can I use Digital Legacy for a joint crypto portfolio with my spouse?
Yes. Document both person's access information. If you pass away, spouse already has access but backup information is still useful. If both pass away (accident), beneficiaries need recovery information.
What about cold storage (paper wallets, metal seeds)?
Document location and format. Example: "Bitcoin paper wallet (QR code print), stored in safe deposit box at Bank of America, box #123, key in home safe".
Should I tell my family about my crypto holdings now?
Pros: They know what to expect; can learn how to access before you die. Cons: Risk of pressure to give access early; potential family conflicts.
Recommended: Tell spouse/executor you have crypto and it's in Digital Legacy vault, but don't reveal amounts or full details unless necessary.
Related Guides
- Digital Legacy Overview: Estate planning basics
- Digital Legacy Configuration: Setting up your vault
- Account Management: Organizing documents
- Security Best Practices: Protecting sensitive information
Last Updated: October 8, 2025