At Axis Estate Planning, we recognize that estate planning extends beyond physical and financial assets. Today, our digital footprint—spanning social media, banking, cryptocurrency, email, and more—plays a significant role in our lives. But what happens to these assets when we’re gone?
A digital Will ensures that your online presence is handled according to your wishes after your passing. Unlike a traditional Will, which distributes tangible assets, a digital Will outlines what should happen to your online accounts, digital media, and other virtual assets. Without one, your loved ones may struggle to access or manage your digital estate, and some accounts may be lost forever.
Why a Digital Will Matters
Many people assume that their online accounts will automatically transfer to their loved ones, but that’s rarely the case. Each platform has its own policies for posthumous access, and without clear instructions, your family may face significant legal and logistical challenges.
By including a digital Will as part of your estate plan, you can:
- Identify and organize your digital assets
- Ensure your loved ones know how to access your accounts
- Prevent valuable accounts from being lost or locked
- Specify which accounts should be deleted, transferred, or memorialized
Without proper planning, your family may be left navigating a complex maze of digital accounts, some of which could hold financial or sentimental value.
What Digital Assets Should Be Included?
Your digital Will should account for a variety of assets, including:
- Financial Accounts & Cryptocurrencies: Online banking, Bitcoin, PayPal, Venmo, digital wallets
- Social & Personal Accounts: Social media profiles, dating apps, YouTube, email accounts
- Rewards & Memberships: Frequent flier miles, credit card points, subscription services
- Business & Legal Accounts: Website ownership, crowdfunding accounts, digital tax records
- Digital Collectibles: NFTs, online investment platforms
Some of these assets have direct monetary value, while others are deeply personal. Without a plan, your family may struggle to locate and manage them—or worse, lose access entirely.
How to Secure Your Digital Legacy
To ensure your digital assets are properly managed, take the following steps:
- Create an Inventory – List all your online accounts, securely store login details, and document instructions for each.
- Appoint a Digital Executor – Designate a trusted individual to manage your digital assets in accordance with your wishes.
- Check Platform Policies – Some platforms, like Facebook and Google, allow you to assign a legacy contact or beneficiary.
- Store Securely – Keep account details in a secure location, such as a password manager or legal document.
- Integrate with Your Estate Plan – Work with an estate planning professional to ensure your digital Will aligns with your overall legal strategy.
Protect Your Online Legacy with Axis Estate Planning
As estate planning evolves, Axis Estate Planning is committed to helping you protect all of your assets—both tangible and digital. We guide clients in crafting digital Wills that ensure their online presence is handled exactly as they wish.
Don’t leave your digital assets to chance. Contact us today to secure your online legacy and integrate it into a comprehensive estate plan.
Axis Estate Planning
900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
(248) 920-9398
www.axisattorneys.com
