Imagine accidentally throwing away over $700 million.
That’s not a hypothetical – it’s exactly what happened to James Howells, a computer engineer from Wales. In 2013, during an office cleanup, he tossed a hard drive without realizing it held the only access to 8,000 Bitcoin (BTC) he had mined. At the time, the loss may have seemed minor. Today, those same Bitcoins are worth around $700 million – and could eventually top $1 billion.
For more than a decade, Howells has pleaded with local authorities for permission to search the landfill where the hard drive likely sits. He’s offered to share the recovered Bitcoin with the city, proposed to purchase the landfill himself, taken his case to British courts, and is now appealing to the European Court of Human Rights. Yet, every effort has ended in a firm “no.”
While most of us don’t own cryptocurrency worth hundreds of millions, this story offers a striking lesson:
👉 If you don’t know what you have, where it is, and how to access it, your assets can disappear—forever.
And the risks are even greater when your loved ones are left to sort through the unknown after you’re gone.
The Hidden Risks of Missing Information
We live in a world where more and more of our assets exist in the cloud or behind login screens, not in filing cabinets or safe deposit boxes. Without a clear and updated inventory, here’s what can happen:
- Bank accounts and insurance policies get forgotten
- Digital assets become permanently inaccessible
- Sentimental items are lost or discarded
- Family conflict erupts when “surprise” assets come to light
- Probate becomes longer, more expensive, and more emotionally draining
- The state may eventually take possession of unclaimed property
In fact, over $60 billion in known assets are currently being held in U.S. state unclaimed property departments – and that doesn’t include countless digital assets that no one even knows are missing.
Now ask yourself:
If something happened to you today, would your loved ones know what you own and how to find it?
Why Most Estate Plans Fall Short
Here’s the truth: Most people believe that creating an estate plan means signing a will, a power of attorney, and a trust – and calling it done. But if that plan doesn’t include an updated asset inventory, it’s incomplete. And unfortunately, incomplete plans often result in conflict, court battles, and lost wealth.
As your attorney, I see this happen far too often. That’s why I offer something different: a Life & Legacy Planning Process designed to keep your loved ones out of court and conflict – while preserving your family’s wealth, wisdom, and memories.
How Our Life & Legacy Planning Process Protects You
When you work with us, you don’t just get documents. You get a complete, personalized system that includes:
1. Personal Resource Map
We help you identify and organize everything you own – from bank accounts and real estate to digital assets and family treasures – so nothing gets overlooked.
2. Ongoing Review & Updates
Your life and assets evolve. We stay in touch regularly to ensure your plan and your inventory stay up-to-date.
3. Digital Access Plan
We provide secure ways to track usernames, passwords, and other digital credentials, so the people you trust can access what matters most.
4. Clear Communication
We guide you in letting your loved ones know how your plan works – without compromising your privacy. And when the time comes, we’ll be there to support them every step of the way.
Peace of Mind Starts with Knowing What You Own
James Howells’ story may be extreme, but it’s a powerful reminder of what can happen when we don’t track what we have. Whether your assets are worth millions or are priceless only to your family, they deserve protection.
Let’s make sure your legacy doesn’t get lost in a landfill – or tied up in a court battle.
Let’s Get Started
As your trusted estate planning attorney, I’m here to help you make empowered choices that protect the people you love and the life you’ve built. During our Life & Legacy Planning Session, you’ll get more financially organized than ever before – and walk away with a clear, customized plan designed to work when your family needs it most.
At Cheever Law, APC, we don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love, starting with a valuable and educational Life & Legacy Planning Session. This will allow you to get more financially organized and make the best choices for the people you love. If you have already completed your estate plan, we will review that plan at your Life & Legacy Planning Session to ensure that it will work the way you intend and address any holes or gaps that may be present if circumstances have changed since you executed your plan.
To learn more about our one-of-a-kind systems and services, contact us or schedule a no-obligation 15-minute introductory phone call today.