In today’s digital world, your online presence is part of your legacy. Yet many people
overlook what happens to their digital assets after death. A thoughtful estate plan
should include clear directions for handling these assets.
What Are Digital Assets?
Digital assets include:
- Purchased media (music, books, films)
- Photos and videos
- Cryptocurrency
- Email and online banking/investment accounts
- Social media accounts
Which Assets Can Be Inherited?
Steps to Protect Your Digital Legacy
- Include a Digital Asset Provision – Authorize your Personal Representative or Trustee to access and manage digital assets in your Will or Trust.
- Leave Instructions – State whether accounts should be deleted, memorialized, or maintained.
- Secure Your Passwords – Keep an updated list of accounts and logins in a safe location.
Social Media & Online Accounts
- Facebook/Instagram – Allow memorialization; require proof of death (and in Facebook’s case, a legacy contact).
- Twitter/X – No memorialization; accounts must be deleted by family or Personal Representative.
- YouTube/Google – Accounts may be deleted if login credentials are available; otherwise, Google Support requires proof of death and identity.
FINAL NOTE
Including digital assets in your estate plan saves your loved ones time, stress, and
uncertainty—ensuring your digital presence is handled according to your wishes.