July 14, 2025
Most people store important parts of their lives online. Bank accounts, photos, business files, and social media all live on the internet. When someone dies, these digital assets can become difficult or impossible for families to access.
What Are Digital Assets?
Digital assets include any online account or file you own:
- Email accounts
- Social media profiles
- Online banking and investment accounts
- Photo and file storage services
- Subscription services
- Business accounts and websites
- Cryptocurrency wallets
- Shopping accounts
Studies show that each email address connects to about 130 different online accounts. Most people have hundreds of digital accounts they use regularly.
Common Problems with Digital Assets
When someone dies without planning for digital access, several problems arise:
Account Lockouts: Companies like Google, Facebook, and banks have strict rules about who can access accounts after death. Even with proper legal documents, getting access can be difficult or impossible.
Lost Information: Important financial records, business contacts, and family photos may be stored only online. Without access, this information disappears forever.
Ongoing Costs: Subscription services continue charging monthly fees unless someone cancels them. These costs can add up over time.
Business Disruption: For business owners, locked digital accounts can stop operations. Customer lists, websites, and communication tools become unavailable.
Unknown Assets: Digital records often contain information about bank accounts, investments, or business interests that family members don’t know about.
Why Standard Estate Planning Falls Short
Traditional wills and trusts don’t solve digital access problems. Legal documents give someone authority over your assets, but tech companies have their own rules. Many companies:
- Require specific procedures for account access
- Treat different family relationships differently
- Have policies that override legal documents
- Permanently delete accounts after certain time periods
Creating a Digital Estate Plan
A good digital estate plan includes several steps:
Make a List: Write down all your online accounts. Include account names, websites, and usernames. Update this list regularly.
Store Passwords Safely: Use a password manager or secure document storage. Make sure trusted people know how to access this information.
Set Up Legacy Contacts: Many platforms offer legacy contact features. Set these up where available, but don’t rely on them alone.
Give Clear Instructions: Tell your family what to do with each account. Some should be closed, others preserved, and some transferred.
Include Business Accounts: Business digital assets need special attention. Document websites, social media accounts, and customer databases.
Update Your Will: Make sure your will addresses digital assets and gives someone clear authority to manage them.
Use Secure Storage Services: Digital vault services designed for estate planning can store passwords and instructions safely. These services release information to designated people when needed.
Special Considerations
Privacy: Some accounts contain private information you may not want family to see. Plan for how to handle these accounts.
Business Continuity: If you own a business, digital assets may be critical for operations. Plan for how these will transfer or be managed.
Multiple Accounts: Many people have old email accounts or social media profiles they rarely use. Include these in your planning since they may contain important information.
Regular Updates: Digital accounts change more often than other assets. Review your digital estate plan at least once per year.
Working with Professionals
Digital estate planning can be complex. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you:
- Include digital assets in your will or trust
- Create proper legal authority for account access
- Coordinate with other estate planning documents
- Stay current with changing laws and technology
Don’t wait to address your digital assets. The longer you delay, the more accounts you’ll accumulate and the more complex the planning becomes.
Learn more about digital estate planning challenges and solutions here.
Taking Action
Start by making a list of your most important online accounts. Focus on financial accounts, business tools, and services with valuable content. Then work with qualified professionals to create a plan that protects both your digital and traditional assets.
Your online life contains valuable information and assets. Plan for how your family will access and manage these when you’re gone.
If you need help creating a digital estate plan, contact Twin Falls Estate Planning. We help Idaho families protect all their assets, including digital ones. Call (208) 733-7200 to schedule a consultation.
All Blogs
