Procedures in estate planning is a bit more complicated with digital matters. Along with a will and durable power of attorney, today you need to make post-death plans for digital things, such as photos, email, a Facebook page, a Twitter account and other social media.
Name someone else you trust, to be your “digital executor” to manage your online accounts and digital property after your death.
The responsibility may include:
- Archiving personal files, photos, videos and other content you’ve created.
- Deleting files from your computer or other devices, or erasing device hard drives.
- Maintaining certain online accounts, which may include paying for services to continue.
- Closing certain online accounts, such as social media accounts, subscription services or any accounts that are paid for.
- Transferring any transferable accounts to heirs.
- Collecting and transferring any money, points or usable credits to your heirs.
- Transferring any income-generating items such as websites, blogs, affiliate accounts, etc. to your heirs.
- Informing any online groups, communities or online friends of your death.
Record your passwords
If you do nothing else, record all passwords so your executor, or someone else you designate, can manage or close your accounts after your death. Store the list in a secure place and don’t forget to tell your designate! Don’t put passwords in your will because that could become a public document if probated.
Can’t say it enough: Pass on your passwords, without them privacy policies will prevent your survivors from accessing your accounts.
Detail how you want each of your accounts handled. Do you want them destroyed or left to a member of the family?
Some sites – such as Google — allow you to designate someone who can access your data in the event that your account goes inactive. Check company by company for their policy.
For more information, check the following:
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