Planning Your Digital Legacy

The clock is always ticking. One day it will stop for all of us. Have you thought about what will happen to your digital life when that time comes? Just like you would create a Will for your physical belongings, it's essential to consider what will happen to your digital assets when you're no longer here.

Think about it. Your digital footprint could be vast. Social media accounts. Online banking information. Photos and videos on your phone. Email accounts. Online subscriptions. They all need to be dealt with when you’re gone.

Managing digital assets and accounts after you pass away could be a nightmare for your loved ones if they don't have access to your user IDs, your passwords, or information about how to access those accounts. That’s why managing your online presence after you pass away is such an important aspect of estate planning in the digital age.

Here’s how to get started:

Inventory Your Digital Presence

Create a comprehensive list of all your digital and social media accounts, including usernames, passwords, and instructions for accessing each account. Include all digital assets such as social media accounts, cloud storage, email accounts, online banking, cryptocurrency wallets, etc.

Consider Using a Password Manager

Store the results of your digital inventory in a secure place. You could choose a sealed envelope or a safe deposit box, but those options make updates more difficult. Consider using a password manager such as LastPass, Dashlane, or Bitwarden.

Create a Digital Estate Plan

Include provisions in your Power of Attorney or Will that grant your designated agent access to your digital accounts should you become incapacitated or pass away. Think of this person as your digital executor. He or she will be responsible for managing your digital assets after your death, including closing accounts or memorializing social media profiles. Clearly outline your wishes for each account in your estate plan. For some accounts, you may want them to be closed, while for others, you may want them to be maintained as a memorial.

Use Platform-Specific Tools

Many online platforms have tools in place for handling accounts of deceased users. For example, Facebook allows users to appoint a legacy contact who can manage their account after they pass away. Check the policies of each platform and consider using these tools where available.

Plan Ahead for Privacy

If you have sensitive or private information in your digital accounts that you don't want others to access, you can provide instructions on how to handle those accounts after your passing. You can also consider setting up mechanisms to delete or securely store that information.

Keep Your Digital Legacy Plan Updated

Just like with a traditional estate plan, it's important to review and update your digital estate plan regularly to ensure that it reflects your current wishes and accounts. Make sure your designated agent is aware of any changes you make.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your digital assets are managed according to your wishes and make it easier for your loved ones to access and preserve your digital legacy in the event of your incapacity or passing.

Questions? Concerns? Need help? Kimbrough Law is here for you. Call us at 706.850.6910 to schedule your confidential consultation.