What Happens to Your Digital Assets When You Die?

Imagine your family trying to access your online banking, only to be locked out permanently. Or losing years of treasured family photos stored in the cloud, simply because no one knows your passwords.

In today’s world, our lives are increasingly online, from email and photos to cryptocurrency and social media. But when it comes to Wills and estate planning, digital assets are often overlooked. The question is: what happens to your digital world when you’re gone?

This article explains how to plan for your digital legacy and why it’s just as essential as naming guardians or passing on your home.

What Are Digital Assets?

Digital assets include anything stored online or on your devices that has personal, financial, or sentimental value. These might include:

• Email accounts
• Social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X)
• Online banking and investment platforms
• Cryptocurrency wallets
• Online businesses (eBay, Shopify, Etsy)
• Photos and videos stored digitally
• Cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox)
• Websites and domain names
• Subscription or loyalty accounts (PayPal, Amazon, Netflix, etc.)

Some of these may carry monetary value; others represent memories, legacies, or the smooth running of a business.

Why Digital Assets Matter in Estate Planning

Unlike physical possessions, digital assets can be hidden, encrypted, or subject to strict privacy policies. Even close family members or executors can be completely locked out without the right access, or legal authority.

Without proper planning:

• Loved ones may not even know which accounts exist
• Accessing online funds or platforms may become legally impossible
• Digital businesses could collapse overnight
• Photos, messages, and files might be lost forever

In some cases, companies like Google, Apple, or Meta are under no obligation to hand over access, not even to next of kin, unless there is prior consent or a specific court order.

Real-Life Consequence

One recent client lost their husband unexpectedly. He ran a successful online shop, but she couldn’t log in to the platform to issue refunds, ship products, or respond to customers. Within weeks, the business was shut down and their family income vanished. With a few simple digital legacy steps, that could have been avoided.

How to Plan for Your Digital Legacy

1. Make an Inventory

List all digital accounts and assets, including logins where appropriate. Store them securely using a password manager, encrypted file, or physical record in a safe place.

2. Appoint a Digital Executor

This is someone you authorise to manage your digital affairs after death. They may be the same as your main executor, or someone more tech-savvy.

3. Leave Clear Instructions

Specify your wishes for each account:

• Should it be deleted, archived, or memorialised?
• Should any data (like photos or emails) be downloaded and shared?
• Are there crypto keys, passwords, or cloud drives to secure?

4. Check Account Settings

Many platforms offer “legacy settings”. Facebook allows you to appoint a legacy contact; Google lets you set inactivity triggers for account handover. Set these up where possible.

5. Include Digital Assets in Your Will

Mention digital assets explicitly in your Will, and grant your executors the legal authority to manage them. Do not include passwords directly in your Will, it becomes a public document after probate.

What About Cryptocurrency?

Crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum bring unique risks. If your private keys or seed phrase are lost, the funds are essentially gone forever.

To safeguard your crypto legacy:

• Record your seed phrase or key securely
• Make sure someone you trust knows how to find it
• Consider using a hardware wallet with clear written instructions
• Inform your executor that you hold crypto

Your digital life doesn’t simply end when you do, and neither do the responsibilities. Planning ahead means your family and business are protected, and your personal memories are not lost to the cloud.

Just as you wouldn’t leave your house or savings unaccounted for, don’t forget your digital world.

At Conwy Wills and Trusts, we guide clients through Wills, trusts, and digital estate planning with care and clarity.

Whether you’re looking to update your Will, appoint a digital executor, or secure your online business, we’re here to help. Book a free initial consultation and let’s make sure everything that matters to you is protected.

📞 Call: 01492 463218
📧 Email: admin@conwywillsandtrusts.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.conwywillsandtrusts.co.uk

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