Bitcoin in Court: Cryptocurrency to Become a Subject of Disputes in Divorces in Russia
A bill is being discussed in Russia that equates cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, to property subject to division in divorce. The initiative, proposed by State Duma deputy Igor Antropenko from the 'United Russia' party, was introduced on October 21, 2025. This step reflects the growing recognition of digital assets in Russian legislation and has caused a wide resonance in society.
Essence of the Bill
The bill amends articles 34 and 36 of the Family Code of the Russian Federation. According to the new provisions, cryptocurrency acquired by one of the spouses during marriage will be classified as jointly acquired property and subject to division in divorce. However, digital assets purchased before marriage or received as a gift will remain the personal property of the owner. The document is sent for consideration to the Russian government and the Chairman of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina.
Justification for Changes
The author of the bill, Igor Antropenko, points out the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies among Russians as a tool for investment and savings. In the explanatory note, he emphasizes that the lack of legal regulation of the status of crypto-assets creates the risk of infringing on the property rights of one of the spouses. This contradicts Article 19 of the Russian Constitution, guaranteeing equality before the law regardless of gender. The initiative is aimed at ensuring fairness in family disputes.
Problems and Challenges
The implementation of the bill may face several difficulties. First, determining the time of acquisition of cryptocurrency requires clear proof, which is challenging under the anonymity of blockchain transactions. Second, the volatility of the cryptocurrency market complicates the assessment of their value at the time of divorce. Additionally, non-standard assets such as DeFi tokens or NFTs create additional questions for enforcement. These factors may complicate judicial processes.
Prospects and Significance
The bill reflects a global trend of integrating crypto-assets into legal systems, as already implemented in a number of countries, including the USA and EU states. In Russia, the adoption of the law may increase the transparency of digital asset ownership but will require the development of methods for their evaluation and accounting. While the document is under consideration, its adoption may become an important step in adapting legislation to the realities of the digital economy.