06/04/2023
When we think of estate planning, creating a will is often the first thing that comes to mind. A will is a legal document that outlines how a person's assets should be distributed after they pass away. However, in today's digital age, a traditional will may not be enough to cover all of a person's digital assets and online accounts.
Firstly, a will may not be sufficient to access a person's digital assets. Many online accounts have their own terms of service and privacy policies, which can make it difficult or even impossible for someone to access another person's account after they pass away. For example, a social media platform may not allow access to a deceased person's account without a court order.
Secondly, a will may not be enough to cover all of a person's digital assets. Digital assets can include anything from online bank accounts to digital photos to cryptocurrencies. If these assets are not specifically addressed in a will, they may be lost or overlooked.
Thirdly, traditional wills become public record after probate is granted, putting any information required to access digital accounts out into the public sphere
So, what can be done to ensure that a person's digital assets are properly managed after they pass away? One solution is to create a that specifically addresses these assets. This includes a list of all online accounts and passwords, instructions on how to access them, nominated people to access them and information on how they should be managed after a person's death
In conclusion, a traditional will may not be enough to cover all of a person's digital assets in the digital age. It's important to consider a to ensure that these assets are properly managed and distributed after a person's passing.