Cryptocurrency in Divorce: The New Frontier

Maria Valenzuela • December 18, 2024

Cryptocurrency has emerged as a new frontier in family law, presenting unique challenges and complexities in property settlements. At Hammond Nguyen Turnbull we are increasingly encountering cases where cryptocurrency holdings are a significant factor in divorce proceedings.


The volatile and decentralised nature of cryptocurrency makes it difficult to value and trace. Unlike traditional assets, cryptocurrency can be easily transferred and concealed, making it susceptible to dissipation or hiding during a relationship breakdown. This poses challenges in ensuring full and frank financial disclosure and achieving a fair and equitable property division.

Two people are holding a gold coin in their hands.

As legal professionals, our role is to navigate these complexities and protect our client's interests. This involves understanding the different types of cryptocurrency, tracing transactions, and obtaining expert valuations to determine the true value of the holdings.


Legal strategies may also be required to prevent the dissipation of cryptocurrency assets during divorce proceedings. This could include seeking court orders to freeze accounts, obtain information from cryptocurrency exchanges, or even appoint independent experts to investigate the ownership and value of the digital assets.



The evolving nature of cryptocurrency and its regulation means that family law practitioners need to stay abreast of developments in this area. By combining legal expertise with technological awareness, we can effectively address the challenges posed by cryptocurrency in divorce and ensure a just and equitable outcome for our clients.


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