Setting Up Your Will For Bitcoin

Using GuardBlock helps solve the technical inheritance side of Bitcoin custody. However, you still need a valid legal estate plan so your Bitcoin can legally pass to the right people after your death.


Here are the key steps:

  1. Create or update your Will

Your Will should clearly state who inherits your estate, including your Bitcoin holdings and other digital assets. However, keep in mind this document can become accessible to third parties, so the details entered in the will itself should be carefully considered. There are self-serve will kits available, but for large or complex estates you will want to engage a estate planner, which is a lawyer who specialises in wills and inheritance.


  1. Appoint an Executor you trust

Your Executor is the person legally responsible for administering your estate. After your death, GuardBlock would work with your Executor once probate or other required legal authority is provided.


  1. Ensure your Executor knows GuardBlock exists

Your Executor or family/heirs should know:

  • you use GuardBlock;
  • where to find your estate documents; and
  • how to contact GuardBlock.

Things to keep in mind:

• Do NOT include seed phrases, private keys, passwords, or recovery secrets in your Will

This is extremely important. Wills can become part of the probate process and may become accessible to third parties. Any recovery information included in a Will could expose your Bitcoin to theft or compromise.


• Do NOT include your Bitcoin balances or detailed custody information in your Will

For privacy and personal security reasons, it is generally best not to publicly disclose:

    • the amount of Bitcoin you own;
    • wallet addresses;
    • where your Bitcoin is stored; or
    • detailed custody arrangements.

• Keep sensitive Bitcoin information separate from your Will

Sensitive information such as:

    • Bitcoin balances;
    • the fact that Bitcoin is held with GuardBlock;
    • wallet details;
    • recovery instructions; and
    • other operational information

can instead be recorded in a separate Letter of Wishes or private instruction document. These documents are generally kept private and separate from the Will itself.


• Leave practical guidance separately

Consider preparing a separate Letter of Wishes or instruction document explaining:

    • that you hold Bitcoin with GuardBlock;
    • approximate balances or holdings if appropriate;
    • who should inherit the Bitcoin;
    • how your Executor should contact GuardBlock; and
    • any practical information your Executor may need.

Review your estate plan regularly

Once established, you should set aside an annual check-in with your estate plan, bitcoin custodial arrangements (such as GuardBlock, and perform your vault rollover), and perform any necessary updates.

Update your Will and Bitcoin inheritance arrangements after major life events such as marriage, divorce, children, changes in beneficiaries, or major changes to your Bitcoin holdings.


Obtain proper legal advice

GuardBlock provides a technical inheritance solution, not legal advice. Estate laws vary by jurisdiction, so you should obtain independent legal advice from a qualified estate planning lawyer in your country or state.

You can also contact Dale from mybitcoinwill.com/ for additional guidance on setting up a Bitcoin-focused estate plan. Dale is both a Bitcoiner and legal expert who specialises in Bitcoin inheritance and estate planning.