DIGITAL ASSETS AND DIGITAL INHERITANCE

Cosgrove Gaynard Solicitors

Digital inheritance is a new term that is becoming more widespread across the globe in relation to the transfer of digital assets in a broad sense. There is a completely new "digital asset" that has been created in terms of cryptocurrencies and therefore with that, inheritance queries follow.

DIGITAL ASSETS AND DIGITAL INHERITANCE

 

Digital inheritance is a new term that is becoming more widespread across the globe in relation to the transfer of digital assets in a broad sense.  There is a completely new "digital asset" that has been created in terms of cryptocurrencies and therefore with that, inheritance queries follow.  

 

In general, a digital inheritance should be covered by a Will by either a specific clause which sets out what and who is to inherit certain assets.

 

If there is no specific mention of these assets in a will, a residue clause (assuming the solicitor has included one) will cover the entire remainder of a persons estate which will include digital assets. This would be similar to a situation where funds are held by a person in a bank account but there is no specific mention in the will as to where these funds should go. In that case, they will fall into the residue of the will.

As mentioned, the exact same would happen with digital assets, however, a large issue in relation to digital assets is quite simply knowledge!

If something should happen to you today, does your named Executor know you have any cryptocurrency investments?

Indeed even if they know you are involved in cryptocurrency, do they know where your assets are held?  A Fintech lawyer can help you with all these issues.

You need to consider what would happen to your digital assets if you died tomorrow i.e. all of your online accounts, be it wallets, exchanges, private keys etc.

Some might consider providing beneficiaries with a set of keys before their death, however, this is not ideal. We would instead recommend that you specifically mention your crypto assets in your will and with that place a list of crypto assets and instructions to be held with your will.

It may be difficult especially if you currently trade cryptocurrencies however it does require planning to ensure your crypto is not forever lost on your death.

     

 If you would like to discuss further ,please feel free to contact us on 01 2340044 or by email info@cgsolicitors.ie

All news
Why Ireland Is the Correct Jurisdiction to Sue Facebook (and Other Platforms) for Influencer Payment or Demonetisation Disputes

Facebook and Instagram are owned by Meta Platforms, which operates its European services through Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, headquartered in Dublin. Under Meta’s commercial terms, if the dispute is with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, the claim must be resolved in the courts of the Republic of Ireland and Irish law governs the dispute. This contractual clause is critical for influencers and advertisers because it effectively establishes Ireland as the contractual jurisdiction and Irish courts as the forum for legal disputes.

Text Link
Social Media Influencer & Content Creator Law - Payment Disputes

Our media and entertainment law practice advises and represents content creators and influencers in disputes relating to social media monetisation, advertising income, brand sponsorships and platform payment disputes.We act for creators and digital media businesses in litigation and dispute resolution arising from non-payment of advertising revenue, breach of creator agreements and misuse of digital content.

Text Link
Pre-Application Engagement with the Central Bank of Ireland for MiCA Authorisation

The authorisation process under the Markets in Crypto‑Assets Regulation (MiCA) requires firms intending to operate as Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) in the European Union to obtain regulatory approval from their national competent authority. In Ireland, this authority is the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI).While the formal application process is the second stage of authorisation, firms are strongly encouraged to engage with the regulator early through a pre-application phase. This initial engagement enables the CBI to understand the proposed business model and provides firms with valuable regulatory feedback before submitting a full application.

Text Link
Property Solicitors Dublin – Cosgrove Gaynard Solicitors

Cosgrove Gaynard Solicitors provides expert legal advice in residential and commercial property transactions throughout Dublin and across Ireland. Our property law team acts for buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, developers, and investors, delivering efficient, practical, and results-focused legal services.With extensive experience handling property transactions in Dublin City and surrounding areas, we guide clients through every stage of the conveyancing and property process with clarity and confidence.

Text Link
How to Claim Compensation After a Road Traffic Accident in Ireland

At Cosgrove Gaynard Solicitors, we advise clients across Ireland on personal injury and road traffic accident claims. Our team can guide you through every stage of the process — from initial consultation to resolution. This guide explains how to claim compensation after a road traffic accident in Ireland, what steps to take, time limits involved, and how the process works.

Text Link
What does a crypto asset white paper have to contain to be MiCA Compliant in Ireland

Under MiCA, most public token offerings or exchange listings require a mandatory disclosure document called a crypto-asset white paper. It’s not marketing and not optional — it’s a legally prescribed document with strict content, liability, and formatting rules. Think of it as a regulated prospectus-lite for crypto.

Text Link