Dear Friend,

When you hear the phrase “estate planning,” you probably think of homes, cars, bank accounts, and maybe the family jewelry. But in today’s world, more and more of our lives exist in the digital realm. From Bitcoin wallets to Metaverse real estate, your virtual assets have real-world value—and if you don’t plan for them, they could vanish into thin air, leaving your family with nothing but questions.

Welcome to the future of estate planning. It’s not just about who gets the lake house anymore; it’s about protecting everything from your gaming NFTs to your virtual storefront.

The Rise of Digital Assets

The world is changing faster than ever. We’ve gone from landlines to smartphones to owning property you can’t even touch. Here’s what that means for you:

  • Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Assets: Your Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Dogecoin wallet could be worth thousands—or even millions. But without proper access instructions, your heirs might never see a dime of it.
  • Metaverse Real Estate: Platforms like Decentraland and The Sandbox allow people to buy, sell, and develop virtual real estate. Some plots have sold for as much as a real-life mansion. But what happens to this digital land when you’re no longer around?
  • NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens): These digital collectibles and art pieces can hold significant financial and sentimental value. If you own an NFT, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t end up locked in a wallet that no one can access.
  • Digital Subscriptions and Accounts: From social media profiles to streaming services, these may not have monetary value, but they’re part of your legacy. A neglected social account can cause confusion—or worse, be hacked and misused.

Why Digital Assets Complicate Estate Planning

Here’s the problem: Most traditional estate plans don’t account for digital assets. Many of these platforms operate under strict privacy and security laws, making it almost impossible for your loved ones to gain access without proper documentation.

Imagine this: You’ve spent years building an online empire. Maybe it’s a successful e-commerce store, a thriving social media channel, or a virtual property portfolio in the Metaverse. Suddenly, you’re gone, and your family can’t access passwords, private keys, or accounts. Everything you worked for could be lost forever.

And that’s not even the worst-case scenario. In some cases, hackers or unscrupulous parties may swoop in to claim what’s rightfully yours because there’s no clear legal path to ownership.

What You Need to Do Right Now

The key to safeguarding your digital legacy is simple: Plan for it.

Here’s how:

  1. Inventory Your Digital Assets: Start by listing everything—crypto wallets, Metaverse properties, social accounts, email addresses, subscription services, and even gaming accounts. Anything with value, monetary or sentimental, should be documented.
  2. Provide Access: Ensure your executor or trusted loved ones have clear instructions on how to access these assets. This might include usernames, passwords, private keys, or recovery codes. Consider using a secure password manager that allows access to a trusted individual after your passing.
  3. Include Digital Assets in Your Will or Trust: Many people assume digital assets will automatically pass to their heirs, but most platforms have strict terms of service that don’t allow this. Legal language in your estate plan can override these barriers, ensuring your assets are properly transferred.
  4. Appoint a Digital Executor: Not all states allow this, but where it’s legal, you can designate someone specifically responsible for handling your digital assets. This person should be tech-savvy and trustworthy.
  5. Regular Updates: Technology changes rapidly. The Metaverse may not even be the same five years from now. Review and update your digital estate plan regularly to account for new assets and platforms.

Your Legacy in the Virtual World

The value of your digital assets goes beyond money. Think about the impact of preserving your online presence, from heartfelt social media messages to a virtual business that continues to generate income for your family.

Estate planning in the virtual world isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about ensuring the things that matter most to you are protected, passed on, and respected.

Don’t Let the Future Leave You Behind

The Metaverse and digital assets may feel like something out of science fiction, but they’re very much a part of today’s reality. Whether you’ve dabbled in crypto or built a thriving digital life, the time to act is now.

If you want to make sure your legacy lives on—both in the real world and the virtual one—let’s talk. At Bascom Law, we specialize in crafting estate plans that account for the complexities of modern life, including digital assets.

The future is here. Are you ready to protect your place in it? Call my office today at 770-285-5493, and let’s ensure your legacy is safe, secure, and built to last—in every dimension.

Sincerely and Thanks,

Mike

Mike Bascom

Bascom Law, PC

Estate Planning & Elder Law