Byron Carlson Petri & Kalb, LLC | attorneys at law

3 practical tips to plan for digital assets in your estate

On Behalf of | Apr 2, 2023 | Estate Planning & Probate

In the digital age, people accumulate significant assets online, such as social media accounts, email accounts, digital files, and cryptocurrency. However, what happens to these digital assets after you pass away? 

It is essential to plan for managing and transferring these digital assets to avoid losing them or leaving them vulnerable to cybercrime. This article discusses some practical ways to protect your digital assets after you die.

Create an inventory of your digital assets

The first step to protect your digital assets after you die is to inventory all your digital accounts, including email accounts, social media profiles, online banking accounts, cryptocurrency wallets and other digital assets. Make a list of usernames, passwords and any other relevant information.

You should also list all your digital devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops. This inventory will help your family and heirs manage your digital assets after you pass away.

Decide who will manage your digital assets

After creating an inventory, the next step is to decide who will manage your digital assets after you die. 

You can appoint a trusted person, such as a family member, friend or attorney, to manage your digital assets. You can also create a digital executor, who will be responsible for managing your digital assets and carrying out your wishes.

Leave clear instructions for managing your digital assets

Once you have identified who will manage your digital assets, leaving clear instructions on how you want them to be managed is important. You can include these instructions in your will, trust or other legal documents. You should also provide instructions on accessing your digital assets, such as passwords or access codes.

Protecting your digital assets after you die is crucial in today’s digital age. Using these tips and knowing your legal rights are essential when protecting your digital assets. 

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