Your online presence holds significant value, from bank accounts to photo libraries and social media profiles. Tackling digital estate planning and learning how to protect your online assets addresses a growing concern for many Americans as we store more of our lives in the digital realm.
Without proper planning, your loved ones may struggle to access important accounts, financial records, and cherished memories after you pass away. Taking steps now to organize and protect your digital assets ensures your family can manage your online legacy smoothly during an already difficult time.
Start by documenting all the online accounts you maintain. List email addresses, banking portals, investment platforms, insurance websites, and subscription services. Include social media profiles, online shopping accounts, and cloud storage services where you keep photos and documents.
Write down usernames for each account and store this information in a secure location. Update your inventory regularly as you open new accounts or close existing ones. This master list becomes invaluable for your executor or family members who need to access or close accounts on your behalf.
Store your passwords using a reputable password manager that offers legacy access features. These tools encrypt your login credentials while allowing you to designate trusted contacts who can request access after a specified period.
Avoid writing passwords on paper or storing them in unsecured digital files. Share your master password with your estate executor or attorney through secure channels.
You'll also want to perform routine network maintenance, including testing Ethernet cables for performance and integrity. Doing so ensures that your loved ones can easily access your digital files while inside your home.
Appoint someone trustworthy to manage your digital estate, which may be the same person handling your physical estate or a tech-savvy family member. Provide clear instructions about what should happen to each type of account.
Specify whether you want to memorialize, delete, or archive your social media profiles. Document your preferences for photo libraries, email accounts, and personal websites. Include these instructions in your will or create a separate digital estate planning document.
Store copies with your attorney and executor. Your designated digital executor needs legal authority to act, so work with an estate planning attorney familiar with digital asset laws.
Online platforms have different policies regarding the accounts of deceased users. Review the terms of service for your major accounts to understand their procedures for handling estates. Some services offer legacy contact features that let you pre-authorize someone to manage your account.
Stay informed about digital asset laws in Utah and Nevada, as regulations continue to evolve. The Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act governs how executors can access digital property in most states. Consult with an estate planning attorney who understands these laws and can help you create legally sound digital estate plans and protect your online assets.