Estate Planning for Digital Assets in California: Crypto, NFTs, Online Accounts & Wallets
Walnut Creek, United States – January 26, 2026 / California Trust & Legacy /
Walnut Creek, CA — California Trust & Legacy has released a new educational guide addressing estate planning considerations for digital assets, including cryptocurrency, NFTs, online financial accounts, and digital wallets. The guide is designed for families in Walnut Creek, Orinda, Lafayette, and throughout California who are increasingly incorporating digital property into their overall financial lives.
As more households accumulate online-only assets, traditional estate planning documents may no longer provide sufficient protection. Many families assume digital accounts will transfer easily to loved ones, yet platform security policies and California law often restrict access without proper legal authorization. Without planning, digital assets may become inaccessible or permanently lost.
Attorney Kelly Balamuth, founder of California Trust & Legacy, developed the guide to help families understand how digital assets fit within California’s estate planning framework. The resource explains why trust-based planning, combined with clearly defined fiduciary authority, is critical to protecting modern forms of wealth.
“Digital assets are easy to acquire but difficult to recover without clear planning,” said Balamuth. “Families benefit from understanding how legal authority, not just account information, determines whether digital assets can be accessed and preserved.”
Why Digital Assets Create Unique Estate Planning Challenges in California
Cryptocurrency, NFTs, and online financial accounts are governed by platform-specific terms and security measures that differ from traditional assets. In California, fiduciary access to digital assets is governed by the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act, which restricts access unless authority is expressly granted in estate planning documents.
Without proper estate planning in California, executors or trustees may face delays, denied access, or court involvement. These risks are compounded by the irreversible nature of many digital assets, where lost credentials or missed deadlines can result in permanent loss.
How Trust-Based Planning Helps Protect Digital Assets
The Role of Living Trusts in Digital Asset Planning
Revocable living trusts are commonly used to address digital assets because they allow families to avoid probate while maintaining continuity of management. Trusts can grant trustees the authority needed to manage cryptocurrency, digital wallets, and online accounts in accordance with California law.
When properly structured, trust-based planning provides clarity for fiduciaries and reduces the likelihood of disputes or access issues during administration.
What Families Should Review When Digital Assets Are Involved
Keeping Estate Plans Aligned With Technology and Law
Digital assets often evolve faster than estate plans. Families are encouraged to review their planning documents to ensure digital authority is clearly defined, ownership structures are accurate, and fiduciary roles are appropriate. This includes reviewing trusts, powers of attorney, and account titling to confirm they reflect current assets and intentions.
Regular reviews help estate plans remain effective as technology, platforms, and regulations change.
Estate Planning Guidance for Walnut Creek and Lamorinda Families
California Trust & Legacy serves families throughout Walnut Creek, Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, and surrounding Contra Costa County communities. The firm provides estate planning and trust administration services in California through a structured, educational approach that helps families confidently address both traditional and digital assets.
Families interested in learning more about digital asset planning and estate strategies can explore the firm’s educational resources, including on-demand webinars and community seminars.
About California Trust & Legacy
California Trust & Legacy is a Walnut Creek–based estate planning and trust administration law firm serving Lamorinda and greater Contra Costa County. Led by Attorney Kelly Balamuth, the firm assists families with trust-based estate planning designed to avoid probate, preserve privacy, and protect loved ones through clear, practical legal structures.
For more information, visit California Trust & Legacy online and book a call with one of our attorneys.
Contact Information:
California Trust & Legacy
1220 Oakland Blvd., Ste. 220, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
United States
Balamuth Kelly
(925) 254-1234
https://californiatrustandlegacy.com/
