Divorce is stressful enough without worrying that money is hiding on a blockchain. In Pennsylvania, cryptocurrency acquired during the marriage is generally marital property and divided equitably, not always equally. If you suspect your spouse is concealing digital assets, forensic tools can help uncover them.
Crypto counts as marital property
Pennsylvania’s broad definition of marital property under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3501 covers nearly all property acquired between marriage and separation. Courts absorb coins, tokens and NFTs into the shared marital pool under that language. Assets bought before the marriage or received as a gift may stay separate if you can prove it.
Common digital assets in divorce
Several types of digital holdings may be subject to division. Here’s wat you need to know:
- Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Ethereum and other coins held on exchanges or in private wallets.
- Stablecoins: Tokens pegged to the dollar, which are simpler to value.
- NFTs: Digital collectibles that can be hard to appraise.
- DeFi holdings: Staked tokens and yield accounts that keep generating value.
Each type raises its own questions because prices can swing sharply between separation and settlement.
Finding hidden crypto and protecting your own
Both spouses must disclose all assets during discovery. Your attorney can subpoena exchange records, review tax returns and hire blockchain forensics experts to trace wallet transfers. Meanwhile, protect your own holdings. Keep your private keys secure and document every transaction, but never conceal assets yourself.
Valuation, taxes and county differences
Volatility makes valuation difficult, so courts often fix a valuation date. Transfers between spouses in a divorce are generally not taxable. Selling crypto later, however, could trigger capital gains tax. Practices can also vary by county. Some Pennsylvania counties handle digital asset discovery and division differently, so local court experience matters.
How Berman Voss can help
Dividing cryptocurrency comes down to three steps: identifying every asset, valuing it fairly and dividing it under Pennsylvania law. Getting each step right can protect your financial future for years. Berman Voss helps clients trace, value and divide complex digital portfolios across the state. If you hold digital assets, or believe your spouse is hiding them, a high net worth divorce attorney at Berman Voss can help.
Contact us online or call (610) 870-1962 today.