Nowadays, almost everyone has some form of digital presence, from email accounts to online document storage. This presence is often referred to as each individual’s “digital footprint.” However, many people overlook the importance of addressing their digital footprint in their estate planning documentation, even as it becomes ever more influential in a host of ways.
Digital estate planning involves organizing and documenting digital assets and instructions for the management of one’s digital footprint in the event of incapacity and/or after death. If you have yet to start thinking about digital estate planning, there is no time like the present to tackle this consequential task.
Getting started
Digital assets are classified as a wide range of valuable electronic influences, including:
- Email accounts: Access to personal and professional emails
- Social media accounts: Profiles on platforms like Facebook, X and Instagram
- Online banking and financial accounts: Access to online banking, investment accounts and cryptocurrencies
- Digital files and documents: Photos, videos and important documents stored on cloud services or personal devices
- Subscriptions and memberships: Accounts with services such as Netflix, Audible or other online memberships.
Without a plan in place, your digital assets may be inaccessible or mismanaged in the event of your incapacity or death. Digital estate planning allows you to designate who will manage your digital presence, better ensuring that your online identity is handled according to your wishes.
By taking the time to organize and document your digital assets – and what you want to be done with your digital footprint overall – you can better ensure that your digital legacy is managed according to your wishes, protecting both your identity and the value of your digital presence. It’s time to start thinking about digital estate planning, even if the idea of this undertaking sounds a little daunting at first. It’s an effort worth making.