When you think about dividing assets in a divorce, you probably imagine things like bank accounts, retirement funds, and real estate. But there’s a growing category of marital assets that’s harder to spot—and even harder to trace: cryptocurrency.

Crypto is no longer a fringe investment or tech-world experiment. It’s a real financial asset that can significantly impact the outcome of a divorce. And as forensic blockchain expert Chris Groshong explained on my podcast, crypto is now showing up more often—and more sneakily—than ever before in high-conflict divorce cases.

“People think crypto is secretive and untraceable,” Chris said. “But everything is recorded on a public, immutable ledger. If you know what to look for, it’s often easier to track than cash.”

Why Crypto Matters in Divorce

Cryptocurrency doesn’t behave like traditional money. It’s not stored in banks, and it can’t be subpoenaed in the same way. If your spouse bought Bitcoin years ago, it could have appreciated by hundreds of thousands of dollars—and you may never know unless you know where to look.

And unfortunately, some spouses count on that.

Chris explained that many of the people he investigates thought they could hide their digital activity. “They assume no one will ever figure it out. But once you start putting the puzzle pieces together, they panic. Because often, we’re not just talking about hidden assets—we’re talking about illegal activity they really don’t want exposed.”

How to Protect Yourself

If you suspect your spouse has crypto, here are smart first steps:

• Subpoena app store records: You can request a list of downloaded apps from Apple or Google to see if any crypto wallets have ever been installed.
  
  
• Look for unusual cash withdrawals: Crypto can be bought anonymously at Bitcoin ATMs using cash. Watch for consistent ATM activity with no clear purpose.
  
  
• Request full discovery: Ask for transaction histories from platforms like Coinbase, Kraken, or Gemini. If a bank transfer went to a crypto exchange, that’s a breadcrumb worth following.
  
  
• Get professional help: Forensic blockchain experts like Chris use specialized tools to trace digital wallets, transactions, and patterns that point to asset concealment.
  
  

Crypto is Financial, but It’s Also Legal

Here’s the kicker: crypto comes with tax implications, too. Every transaction—even swapping one coin for another—is a taxable event. If your spouse has been trading without declaring it, you could be on the hook for back taxes, interest, and penalties.

“You could end up financially responsible for a tax burden you knew nothing about,” Chris warned.

Crypto is complicated—but you don’t need to be an expert to protect yourself. You just need to know it’s worth asking about, especially if your spouse has a history of secrecy or financial control. And if something feels off, trust your gut and get the right professionals on your side.