How to Handle Digital Estate Planning: Include Your Online Assets in Your Will
In today’s digital age, your online presence holds real value. From social media and email accounts to cryptocurrency and cloud storage, digital assets are an essential part of your estate.
However, many people overlook them in traditional estate planning. Ignoring this aspect can leave loved ones locked out of important accounts or unsure how your digital legacy should be handled.
This guide explores how digital estate planning ensures your online accounts, files, and digital footprints are secured — and responsibly passed on.
What Is Digital Estate Planning and Why It Matters
Digital estate planning is the process of organizing and outlining how your online presence and digital property will be managed after your death.
It goes beyond physical belongings and includes all your electronic accounts and assets.
Examples of Your Digital Legacy:
- 🔐 PayPal or cryptocurrency wallets
- 📱 Social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- ☁️ Cloud storage, digital photos, or documents
- 🧾 Online businesses or subscriptions
“With identity theft and cybercrime on the rise, ensuring your digital footprint is protected isn’t optional — it’s essential.”
Common Types of Digital Assets You Should Include in Your Will
Think beyond just your email and social media. These are assets that hold real-world value and deserve protection:
- 📧 Email accounts (Gmail, Outlook)
- 📲 Social platforms (Instagram, X, Facebook)
- 💰 Online banking & crypto wallets
- 🛒 Amazon or Etsy storefronts
- 🎧 Netflix, Spotify, Dropbox
- 📝 Personal blogs or domain names
- 🎨 Royalties for books or digital art
- 🎮 Gaming or digital collectible accounts
Including these online assets in your will helps your executor act on your behalf — without legal red tape or digital dead ends.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Google’s Inactive Account Manager or Facebook’s Legacy Contact settings to automate some of your wishes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Including Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan
Step 1: Create a Full Inventory
List your accounts, logins, and devices. Store credentials securely using a password manager or sealed document.
Step 2: Assign a Digital Executor
Appoint a trusted person to manage your digital property. Reference this role explicitly in your estate documents.
Step 3: Provide Clear Instructions
What should happen to each account? Should your photos be shared? Should your Facebook be memorialized or deleted?
Step 4: Secure the Legal Documents
Work with an attorney familiar with local digital laws. Certain platforms require specific legal language to access accounts.
Step 5: Keep It Updated
Update your plan every 1–2 years or after a big life change. Tech evolves — and so should your estate plan.
⚖️ Legal & Privacy Considerations
Many platforms prohibit account sharing — even posthumously. That’s why legal documentation and platform-specific settings are key.
If you own cryptocurrency or NFTs, make sure the keys and access instructions are stored safely and shared with your digital executor. Lost access = lost funds.
Helpful Tools:
- Google Inactive Account Manager
- Facebook Legacy Contact Settings
- Password Managers (e.g. LastPass, 1Password)
- ABA: Digital Asset Tips
Conclusion
Your online assets are more than just accounts — they’re part of your legacy. With a little planning, you can make sure they’re protected and passed on thoughtfully.
“Start now — because your digital life deserves as much care as your physical one.”
📣 Call to Action
Ready to take the first step? Consult with a digital-savvy estate attorney or use a trusted digital planning tool to begin securing your legacy today.
