As our lives become increasingly digital, it’s essential to include digital assets and online accounts in your Pennsylvania estate plan. Without proper planning, your loved ones may have difficulty accessing and managing your digital assets after you’re gone. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that your digital assets and online accounts are included in your estate plan.
Take Inventory of Your Digital Assets
Start by creating a list of your digital assets, including email accounts, social media profiles, online bank and investment accounts, and any other online assets you own. This inventory will help you and your loved ones understand the scope of your digital estate and what steps need to be taken to manage it. Click here to learn more.
Appoint a Digital Executor
Just like you would appoint an executor to manage your physical assets, you can appoint a digital executor to manage your digital assets and online accounts. This person should be someone you trust and who has the technical know-how to manage your digital estate effectively.
Consider Password Management
It’s important to keep your passwords and login information up-to-date and easily accessible to your digital executor. Consider using a password manager to store your login information securely, and make sure your digital executor knows how to access this information.
Review Terms of Service Agreements
Many online accounts and digital assets are subject to terms of service agreements that dictate how they can be accessed and managed after you’re gone. It’s important to review these agreements carefully and understand what steps need to be taken to ensure that your loved ones can access and manage your digital assets.
Update Your Estate Plan Regularly
Just like with any other aspect of your estate plan, it’s important to review and update your digital estate plan regularly. This may involve revising your will, trust, or other estate planning documents, or making changes to your password management or other digital assets.
Digital assets and online accounts in your Pennsylvania estate plan is essential in today’s digital age. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your loved ones can access and manage your digital assets after you’re gone, and that your digital legacy is protected. If you’re considering estate planning for your digital assets and online accounts, it’s important to work with an experienced estate planning attorney who can guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions.
