Most people take time to organize their finances, create a will, and name trusted decision-makers. But many overlook an important part of modern estate planning: their digital assets.
From online banking and email to social media and cloud storage, your digital life can create significant challenges for your loved ones if you don’t plan ahead. An experienced estate planning attorney in Missouri can help ensure these assets are included in your overall estate plan.
Quick Answer
A digital estate plan gives trusted individuals the legal authority and practical information they need to manage your online accounts if you become incapacitated or pass away. Without a plan, your family may struggle to access important accounts or close them properly.
What Are Digital Assets?
Your digital estate includes more than social media accounts. It may also include:
- Email accounts
- Online banking and investment accounts
- Cloud storage
- Digital photos and videos
- Online business accounts
- Shopping accounts
- Cryptocurrency or digital wallets
- Subscription services
- Reward programs
- Digital documents
Many of these accounts contain valuable financial or personal information that your family may need to access.
Why Digital Estate Planning Matters
Many online platforms have their own rules about who can access an account after the owner’s death. Even if Missouri law provides certain rights to a personal representative or executor, each company’s policies may differ.
In addition, many accounts are protected by two-factor authentication, making access difficult without advance planning.
Creating a digital estate plan can help your loved ones:
- Locate important accounts
- Access critical information
- Close unnecessary subscriptions
- Prevent identity theft
- Preserve valuable digital records and memories
Steps to Create a Digital Estate Plan
A good digital estate plan starts with organization.
Consider these steps:
- Create a list of your important online accounts.
- Note whether each account has a legacy contact or inactive account feature.
- Keep a secure record of usernames, passwords, and authentication methods using a reputable password manager.
- Update the list regularly as accounts change.
- Tell your trusted personal representative or agent how to access this information if needed.
Don’t Put Passwords in Your Will
While it’s important to document your digital accounts, never include usernames or passwords in your will.
Once a will is admitted to probate, it may become part of the public record. Instead, store login information securely in a password manager or another protected location and ensure your trusted representative knows how to access it.
Include Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan
Technology continues to evolve, and so should your estate plan.
At Beck, Lenox & Stolzer Estate Planning and Elder Law, LLC, we help Missouri families create comprehensive estate plans that address both traditional assets and today’s increasingly digital lives. Whether you’re creating your first estate plan or updating an existing one, we can help ensure your digital assets are protected and your loved ones have clear guidance.
Contact Beck, Lenox & Stolzer Estate Planning and Elder Law, LLC to schedule a consultation with an experienced estate planning attorney in Missouri.
Reference: Next Avenue (Jan. 1, 2021) “Why You Need a Digital Estate Plan and How to Make One”