The short answer
Start with what your parent set up. A company's own online tool, such as Google's Inactive Account Manager or Apple's Legacy Contact, comes ahead of a will under the model law on digital assets.
Without one, an executor can ask each company in writing. In states that adopted the act, such as Minnesota, the law sets what a company must provide.
Crypto held by an exchange is controlled by the exchange, so the executor can ask it. Crypto in a private wallet with no key may be lost for good.
This chapter explains how things usually work in the United States. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, and the rules where you live may differ. Before you act on anything here, check it with one of the people named at the end of the chapter.
What to do
- Look for a password list, a legacy contact, or notes about accounts in your parent's papers.
- Keep your parent's phone line on for now, if you can.
- Ask each company what it needs, and ask for the answer in writing.
- Give the executor's papers where a company asks for proof of authority.
- Look for signs of crypto in statements and papers, and don't move anything until you know who controls the keys.
- Save the photos and messages you can already reach, and ask about the rest before any account closes.
What can wait
- Closing accounts, until you know what each one holds.
- Decisions about any crypto, until the executor and a lawyer have seen how it is held.
Who can help
Each company's help pages for deceased users say what it needs. A probate lawyer can tell you what an executor may do in your parent's state. A lawyer who has handled crypto in an estate can advise on a wallet or an exchange.
People do not have to be suicidal to call the 988 Lifeline.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, or chat at chat.988lifeline.org. Free, confidential, any hour of any day.
It is also for people worried about a friend or loved one. Text and chat are available in Spanish.
The Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, any hour; free and confidential (message and data rates may apply). Also on WhatsApp and web chat.
The Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat online at veteranscrisisline.net. Free, confidential, any hour. It serves veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families and friends; no VA enrollment needed.
The rules, phone numbers and web addresses in this book were checked against the agencies’, courts’ and organizations’ own pages in October 2026. Where a rule differs by state, the book names one state as an example. Check anything you rely on with the office itself.
From Book 3: Their Money
This page has the short answer and the closing lists from chapter 10. The full chapter explains, in plain words, what exists, what to ask, and who can answer. The book covers months 1 to 12 after the death.
Questions near this one
Other questions on related subjects, from this book and the others.
- One of us is in charge: what do the others have a right to know? Book 5, Siblings and the Estate
- What if I think a sibling took money? Book 5, Siblings and the Estate
- How do I find the will and the papers, and what if I can't? Book 1, The First Month
- How do I find all of their accounts? Book 2, Being in Charge
Hear when Their Money is out
A short note when each book is out. Five or six emails a year at most. You can unsubscribe whenever you like.