How to move inherited crypto into a family wallet

Heirs move inherited crypto by confirming authority over the estate, identifying each holding and transferring it to a wallet controlled by its recipient. The process differs depending on whether the assets sit with an exchange or in a wallet controlled by private keys.

How do heirs find the crypto?

Start with the estate records, devices and account statements to identify exchanges, wallet addresses, coins and tokens. An exchange may have a process for an authorised executor or administrator; heirs should contact its support team and follow its document requirements instead of trying to access the deceased person’s account as them.

For self-custody, the wallet’s recovery phrase or private key can grant control over the assets, but possession of that secret does not by itself establish legal authority to move them. Keep a record of what was found and who is authorised to act. If assets need to move across chains before reaching the chosen wallet, our guide to thor swap explains the trade mechanics in more detail.

What wallet should receive the inheritance?

Use a wallet controlled by the person or people who are legally entitled to the assets, and confirm it supports each coin, token and network being transferred. A wallet address is specific to a network; sending an asset through an incompatible network can make recovery difficult or impossible.

A single family wallet can simplify shared oversight, but anyone holding its recovery phrase may be able to move the assets. For most families, separate recipient-controlled wallets make ownership clearer; if assets must be managed jointly, agree who can approve transfers and how access will be recovered before moving funds.

How should heirs transfer the crypto?

First, verify the recipient address and network inside the receiving wallet. Send a small test amount, wait for it to appear, then transfer the remainder and keep the transaction records with the estate documents.

• List each asset, its network and its current custodian.
• Confirm the destination wallet supports that exact asset and network.
• Check the address on the device or wallet screen used to receive it.
• Save transaction IDs, dates and amounts for the estate records.

What should heirs do after the transfer?

Record the balances received and retain the exchange correspondence and transaction history. Tax and estate treatment varies by jurisdiction, so heirs should check local requirements with a qualified adviser before selling or distributing assets.

Once the transfers are confirmed, update the family’s asset inventory and store recovery instructions securely, separately from the recovery phrase itself. The next step is to settle the estate’s records and agree who will maintain access to the receiving wallet.