In today’s modern world, an increasing number of assets and family heirlooms are going digital. Many people have sources of income online that their families don’t know about. Additionally, thousands of family photos are stored online and shared on social media, which could be inaccessible after a person’s death. If you have digital assets, here’s how you can ensure that your family inherits these personal effects after your death.
What should you do with digital assets?
When planning your wills and trusts, you can start by making a list of all your digital assets. You should include your usernames and passwords, along with instructions on accessing your accounts. This ensures that your family members can log on and collect these assets after your death.
You should also include a note of consent in your estate plans. Make it clear that certain individuals are allowed to access your digital assets and to collect relevant materials. This can prevent any possible legal issues when people start to access your accounts. If you own a digital asset like a song or a video, read the conditions to see if the asset can be transferred or duplicated.
To make the process easier, you can store photos and documents in cloud storage that can be accessed anywhere. However, you should also back up your files in a physical location like a hard drive or a flash drive. Nothing lasts forever on the Internet, so make sure you’ve got backup copies of everything.
Can an attorney help you with digital assets?
An attorney could help you with digital assets just as easily as physical ones. He or she could help you take stock of your assets, include them in your will, and leave behind instructions for your family members, and an attorney might also help you write a consent document.