n today’s digital age, our online presence is an extension of our lives. From social media accounts to digital banking, we accumulate a wealth of online assets over time. But what happens to these accounts when we pass away? Managing digital inheritance is an important part of estate planning, and at Phillip Stephens Funerals, we’re here to guide you through the steps needed to ensure your digital legacy is handled appropriately.
1. Create a Digital Inventory
The first step in handling digital inheritance is to create an inventory of all your digital assets. This includes email accounts, social media profiles, cloud storage, online banking, and any other digital services you use regularly. For each account, list the username, password, and any additional security measures such as two-factor authentication.
By keeping a comprehensive list, your executor or trusted person will know exactly what accounts need to be managed after your death.
2. Appoint a Digital Executor
Much like you would appoint an executor for your will, it’s crucial to choose a trusted individual to manage your digital assets. This person, known as a digital executor, will be responsible for following your instructions regarding your online presence. Whether you want accounts to be closed, memorialised, or passed on to family members, your digital executor ensures that your wishes are carried out.
3. Set Up Legacy Contacts on Social Media
Several social media platforms now allow users to set up legacy contacts, who are authorised to manage your account after you pass away. For example:
- Facebook: You can designate a legacy contact to memorialise your profile, allowing loved ones to share memories and posts.
- Instagram: Similar to Facebook, Instagram also allows users to request the memorialisation of an account.
- Google: Google’s Inactive Account Manager allows you to set up what happens to your account if it becomes inactive for a certain period.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your online presence is managed according to your wishes.
4. Managing Financial Accounts
Digital inheritance isn’t just about social media—it also includes online banking, investments, and subscriptions. Ensure that your executor has access to these accounts to close them down or transfer funds. It’s also important to cancel any recurring payments or subscriptions, such as streaming services, that you no longer need.
Conclusion
Handling digital inheritance is an essential part of modern estate planning. By creating a digital inventory, appointing a digital executor, and setting up legacy contacts on social media, you can ensure that your online presence is managed according to your wishes after you pass away.