Managing Digital Assets After Death: A Guide to Digital Estate Planning
In today’s digital-first world, we store our lives online—from financial accounts and social media to cloud files and photos. But what happens to it all when we die?
Managing digital assets after death has become a critical step in modern estate planning. Over 90% of U.S. adults have a digital footprint, yet few have made plans for their online legacy. Without guidance, families may face legal obstacles, identity theft, or the permanent loss of cherished digital memories.
This guide simplifies what to do. You’ll learn how to plan your digital estate, what steps families can take, and how to secure your digital afterlife.
📌 Helpful Tip: Don’t miss the Endly Estate Planning Checklist and other support resources linked at the end.
Managing Digital Assets After Death: Key Considerations
Digital assets include any electronic accounts, files, or property you manage online. Common examples:
- 📧 Email & social media (Gmail, Facebook, Instagram)
- 💳 Online banking & investing
- 🧾 Subscriptions (Netflix, Amazon, Spotify)
- ☁️ Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)
- 🖼️ Photos, videos, and documents
- 🪙 Cryptocurrency, NFTs, and digital wallets
- 🌐 Domain names & online businesses
If unplanned, these accounts can:
- Delay estate settlement
- Be permanently inaccessible
- Expose sensitive info to hackers
🔍 Learn more in how to write a will; this will help you plan ahead.
Steps to Take for Planning Your Digital Estate
Start with organization, then make your wishes clear. Here’s how:
1. Create a Digital Asset Inventory
- List all accounts, logins, and two-factor authentication methods.
- Use a secure password manager like 1Password or LastPass.
2. Appoint a Digital Executor
- Some states recognize a “digital executor” legally.
- Name them in your will and clarify their responsibilities.
3. Use Digital Legacy Tools
- Facebook: Assign a legacy contact.
- Google: Set up an Inactive Account Manager.
4. Add Digital Wishes to Your Will
- Specify account handling, but don’t include passwords.
- Keep instructions in a secure location.
5. Consult an Estate Attorney
- State laws vary. A lawyer can ensure legal compliance.
📌 Want help? Visit the American Bar Association’s Estate Planning Resources for reliable articles and tools on wills, digital assets, and probate.
How Executors and Families Can Access Digital Assets
If you’re managing someone else’s digital estate, follow these steps:
1. Locate the Digital Asset Inventory
- Check for a written list, secure document, or password manager.
2. Prioritize Important Accounts
- Focus on email, banking, cloud storage, and anything with financial or personal value.
3. Contact Platforms with Documentation
- Apple/iCloud: Request access with court approval.
- Facebook: Memorialize or delete.
4. Secure the Digital Identity
- Deactivate unused accounts.
- Monitor for fraudulent activity.
5. Know Your Legal Limits
- U.S. privacy laws like the Stored Communications Act may limit access.
- You’ll often need proof of death + executor rights.
Digital Estate Planning Checklist
Use this checklist to stay organized and reduce stress for your loved ones:
- List all digital assets and logins
- Store credentials securely (password manager)
- Appoint a digital executor in your will
- Activate digital legacy tools (e.g. Google, Facebook)
- Define wishes for each account (delete, transfer, memorialize)
- Seek legal advice for compliance
- Inform a trusted person where the inventory is stored
📝 Download our free End of Life Planner & Checklist
Conclusion
Managing digital assets after death is no longer optional—it’s a crucial piece of modern estate planning. The more we live online, the more intentional we must be about what we leave behind.
Whether you’re preparing your own digital legacy or helping someone else navigate theirs, planning ahead will protect memories, assets, and peace of mind.
