“After you pass away, the everyday things in your life
will become significant to your friends and family. No matter how simple, your digital content is
no exception; in many respects, it may become even more valuable.” Evan Carroll, Your Digital Afterlife. We know that planning for digital assets is
important. Now how do we do it? While there is no single answer, a
combination of options may help.
The very first step is compiling a list of all websites
where accounts are held. For each
website, read the terms of use or find out how each website handles the account
and the data within it upon death. Do
they let you choose who can access the account?
What documentation is required to grant access to an heir?
Second, research the laws in your state. Are there any existing laws governing digital
assets? If there are, do they cover
access to any digital account AND access to any digital assets held within the
account. If no laws exist, speak to
legislators in your state to voice concern.
Estate planning attorneys can also be an asset. Visit with your estate planning attorney
about including language in your last will and testament to express your
desires about management of your digital assets. Do you want the executor to also handle
access to your digital accounts and digital assets? Do you want to leave a memorandum with
instructions for digital assets and their access, handling, distribution and
disposition?
Services and technology solutions have been introduced to
try to address this growing area of need.
There are programs for the purpose of storing usernames, passwords, and
other documents in an encrypted format.
Some of them are strictly for the purpose of making a record of all
accounts and access to each that cannot be used during life. Upon receipt of a death certificate they will
release all information to the authorized individual.
“In its simplest form, a digital legacy is a summation of
the digital assets you leave behind for others.
As the shift to digital continues, the digital assets left behind will
become a greater part of your overall legacy.”
Evan Carroll, Your Digital Afterlife. A complete plan uses several of these options
in conjunction. Visit with loved ones,
your financial advisor and your estate planning attorney to begin developing a
plan to ensure that your digital legacy continues—your way.
