When most people think about estate planning, they picture wills, trusts, homes, and bank accounts. But in today’s world, there’s a whole other category of assets that often gets overlooked: your digital life.
From social media accounts to online banking, cryptocurrency, cloud storage, and even family photos saved on your phone—your digital assets hold both emotional and financial value. And just like your physical possessions, they need to be protected and thoughtfully planned for.
What Are Digital Assets? Digital assets include any content or accounts you manage or own online. Some common examples:
- Email accounts (Gmail, Outlook)
- Social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X)
- Photo and video storage (Google Photos, iCloud)
- Online banking and investment accounts
- Cryptocurrencies and NFTs
- Domain names or websites
- Digital storefronts or monetized platforms (Etsy, YouTube)
- Subscription accounts (Netflix, Amazon, etc.)
Some of these assets may not have significant financial value, but they often carry strong sentimental or practical importance. Think of the family photos in your cloud storage or the messages saved in your email—what happens to those when you’re gone?
Why It Matters
Without a clear plan, your loved ones may not be able to access or manage your digital accounts. In some cases, privacy laws and user agreements can prevent even close family members from gaining access, even if they know your passwords.
Here’s what can happen without planning:
- Valuable or sentimental data could be lost
- Subscriptions may continue billing without your family knowing
- Cryptocurrency could become inaccessible (and unrecoverable)
- Social media accounts might be left active or vulnerable to hacking
How to Include Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan
Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to ensure your digital life is accounted for:
Take Inventory
Make a list of all your digital assets and accounts, including login information and recovery methods. Don’t forget two-factor authentication details.
Store Securely
Use a password manager or encrypted document to store your information. Let your executor or trustee know how to access it—never include passwords directly in your will.
Name a Digital Executor
Some states allow you to appoint a “digital executor”—someone specifically responsible for handling your online accounts. If your state doesn’t yet recognize this role formally, you can still assign someone this responsibility in your trust or estate plan.
Check Platform Policies
Review the legacy settings for major platforms. For example, Facebook lets you name a legacy contact, and Google offers an Inactive Account Manager to determine what happens to your data if you’re inactive.
Work with an Attorney
A knowledgeable estate planning attorney can help you incorporate your digital assets into your overall plan, ensuring legal compliance and peace of mind.
Don’t Let Your Online Life Become a Digital Mystery
Your digital presence is a real part of your legacy. Just as you wouldn’t leave your home or financial accounts unaddressed, your online life deserves the same level of attention. With the right planning, you can make sure that your memories, data, and digital value are handled the way you want—and that your loved ones aren’t left sorting through digital confusion during an already difficult time.
Ready to take the next step?
At TrustCounsel, our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate every aspect of your estate plan—including your digital life. Visit our contact page to find the office nearest you or fill out our online form, and we’ll reach out to schedule a time that works for you.