U.S. Bitcoin Estate Readiness Guide
A plain-English tool to help families identify legal, operational, and continuity gaps before they become expensive problems.
- You don’t need to be a lawyer—just start here
- See what your family would face if something happened to you
- Spot the gaps most people miss
If your Bitcoin ever becomes worth a lot more than it is today, the right plan now can save your family months of stress, extra taxes, and even lost access. This free tool helps you picture your setup in plain English and get ready for a quick chat with your own attorney and CPA.
The check takes about 2 minutes. No signup required.
Why This Matters As Bitcoin Grows
Most traditional money lives in banks or brokerage accounts. Someone else can step in with a court order. Bitcoin is different — it’s just keys on a device or piece of paper. Legal papers alone don’t unlock it.
If you become incapacitated or pass away unexpectedly, your family could be locked out for months (or forever) while courts figure things out. As Bitcoin becomes a more meaningful part of your net worth, poor planning can create unnecessary delays, confusion, taxes, and family friction.
Simple truth: The best time to fix this is while everything is calm and you’re healthy. Not when you’re in the hospital or after you’re gone. This page shows a practical model of what good can look like in plain language.
Most People Miss These Basics
Don’t worry — you’re not behind. Most families (even smart ones) skip the simple stuff that actually matters when life gets real.
The People (Roles)
Who will handle your money and kids if you can’t? Think: the person who signs the checks (executor), the backup person for your trust, the one who makes medical decisions, and guardians for your kids. They need to know what to do.
The Paperwork
Your will or trust, power of attorney, and a simple list of where everything is. Your lawyer writes the official version — you just need to make sure the right people have clear instructions.
Big Bitcoin catch: A judge can give someone legal power… but they still need your actual keys or passwords to spend the Bitcoin. That’s why a simple “runbook” (step-by-step instructions) is a lifesaver.
Common things people forget: No backup person named, no list of accounts, no instructions for the kids’ money, treating retirement Bitcoin the same as regular Bitcoin.
What a Strong Family Setup Usually Includes
A robust family setup typically includes:
- A clear legal structure
- A current inventory of Bitcoin holdings
- A documented recovery runbook or set of recovery instructions
- Named fiduciaries with clear responsibilities
- Separation of personal, trust, business, and retirement holdings where relevant
- Periodic drills with fiduciaries
- Spouse or fiduciary awareness of the plan, without oversharing unnecessary secrets
A trust may be appropriate depending on your attorney's advice. The readiness check below helps you see how your setup compares.
Many Families Benefit From More Than One Bitcoin Setup
Just like you don’t keep all your money in one checking account, smart families split their Bitcoin into different “pockets” for different purposes and people. It’s normal — and it makes life way easier later.
“Great looks like: every pocket has a clear owner, a purpose, and simple instructions so your family knows exactly what to do.”
Common pockets (examples):
- Your personal one: Everyday spending and your main stack
- Trust or beneficiary structure: Long-term money for the kids and grandkids
- Business: Company reserves
- Kids’ money: Education or future gifts (held safely until they’re older)
- Retirement accounts: IRA or HSA — these have special tax rules
Ready to check your setup?
Answer a few quick steps. Get your readiness score and a printable summary for your attorney.
Education only — not advice. Confirm with your licensed attorney and CPA.
Start the readiness checkYour answers stay in this browser and are not submitted unless you choose to contact us.
Family structure
Or start with: · · ·
Your Bitcoin pockets
Turn on each one you use. How many separate Bitcoin setups (wallets or vaults) do you use in each?
What have you done?
Critical (estate planning)
Important (operational)
Best practice
Incapacity readiness
If you were alive but unable to communicate for 30 days, could your family act?
Recovery capability
Your results
This readiness check is intentionally simplified. It is designed to help you organize a productive conversation with your attorney, CPA, and any technical support partners.
Click below to open a clean printable version. Save as PDF and take it to your attorney.
When you book a review, mention "Estate Readiness Review" so we route you to the right adviser.
What We Do (and Definitely Don’t)
We help with: Simple explanations, vault setup instructions, easy-to-follow checklists, and practice runs so your family knows exactly what to do. We also happily connect you with great attorneys and CPAs.
We never: Give legal or tax advice, hold your Bitcoin, or replace your own professionals. You always stay in full control of your keys.
Everything here is for learning only. Please talk to your own licensed professionals for advice that fits your exact situation.
FAQs
Why multiple vaults?
Different pockets (personal, trust, business, retirement) often need separate vaults for legal, tax, and clarity. Each has different owners, rules, and backup plans.
Why do SDIRA and HSA differ?
IRAs and HSAs have special tax rules from the IRS. They can hold Bitcoin but work differently than your personal vaults. Your CPA and plan administrator guide those details.
Do kids need their own keys?
Usually not when they're young. A trust or similar structure holds the Bitcoin until they reach a certain age. Your attorney designs how that works for your family.
What if one spouse dies?
Personal vaults with joint control may pass to the survivor. Trust vaults follow the trust document—the backup trustee steps in. The key is that everyone knows where the keys are and how to use them.
What does an inventory or runbook include?
An inventory lists your vaults, key holders, and where things live. A runbook gives your family step-by-step instructions to recover or transact. We help you document both—you always keep the keys.
How does TBA fit in if you don't hold our Bitcoin?
We provide simple frameworks, checklists, practice drills, and help connect you with great attorneys and CPAs. You hold the keys; we help you get organized so your family can act when needed.
Part of our free U.S. resources. You might also like Bitcoin Estate Planning 101 and Simple Governance Tips.