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@article{192174,
author = {Dhruv B},
title = {Crypto Inheritance Chaos: Private Keys, Family Disputes, and Hindu Undivided Family Shares Post-Rhutikumari v. Zanmai Labs},
journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
year = {2026},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {626-634},
issn = {2349-6002},
url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=192174},
abstract = {Crypto-assets are at the confluence of financial, digital, and property regimes, with jurisdiction-specific classification and allocation determining the structuring of custodial arrangements, relevant asset rights, and thus family dynamics. The adoption of crypto in recent years has created a new asset class within the overall economy, promising gains and hindering losses through secured wallets. However, families desire to transfer wealth across generations while preserving shared assets and making intergenerational migration smoother. This review traces how scholarly discussions surrounding crypto inheritance, digital assets, and private-key governance have evolved across four decades, placing the recent Rhutikumari v. P. (Rh., 2010). The selected works illuminate a trajectory from traditional questions about parentage and succession to contemporary concerns about digital custody, contractual control, and the inherently private nature of cryptographic keys in inheritance disputes. It situates ownership analysis within broader regulatory contexts and distinguishes between access rights and ownership, noting the role of private versus entrusted custody and the implications of bank-like obligations in certain scenarios. It argues for careful planning and robust legal frameworks to facilitate secure transfer and safeguarding of crypto holdings across generations.},
keywords = {},
month = {February},
}
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