Modern estate planning involves much more than deciding who will receive your home, bank account or family heirlooms. The realities of the Digital Age have driven a pressing need for all adults – yourself included – to consider their digital footprint when estate planning.
Many people spend years building an online presence through social media accounts, and those digital assets deserve attention as part of a comprehensive estate plan. Platforms may contain thousands of family photographs, videos, personal messages and memories that loved ones would want to preserve. Business owners, influencers and professionals may also operate accounts that generate income or contribute to a brand’s value.
Planning effectively
Taking an inventory of your accounts is a good way to start taking executive notice of this concern when estate planning. Social networking platforms, professional networking profiles, video-sharing accounts and messaging services should all be addressed. Keeping a secure record of account names and access information can make administration much easier for loved ones later.
You’ll also want to consider that many social media companies now offer tools that allow users to make decisions in advance about what will happen to their accounts after death. Some platforms permit users to designate a legacy contact who can manage certain aspects of an account, while others allow users to request account deletion upon death. Reviewing these options with a skilled legal team can help you to better ensure your wishes are followed later.
It is also important to decide whether you want your accounts memorialized, transferred or permanently deleted. Some families appreciate having an online space to share memories and condolences, while others prefer to close accounts in the interests of privacy.
You have likely spent much time on your social media platforms. It is now important that you take some time to consider how you want them to be addressed when you’re gone.
