Most internet companies have strict privacy policies. Therefore, when one becomes disabled or passes away, it can create a problem regarding access to online accounts and/or to whom the account belongs to. The issue that arises is whether or not digital assets can be passed on to heirs.

You can also consider giving your heirs or someone you trust access to information that may be stored online, such as photographs, videos, music, letters, etc. These items may not be of any significant monetary value but may be priceless to loved ones.

As our computer literate population ages, post-mortem lawsuits are likely to become common and anyone who owns a computer could end up forcing their family to unnecessarily deal with these issues.

As more businesses move away from paper, it might become more difficult to locate and access online information if someone dies without telling their heirs or others of their existence or location or how to access this information. Privacy laws might further complicate internet access when companies may refuse to release user name and password information.

Therefore it is critical that good estate planning take into consideration the protection of digital assets and access to the same.

For more information on estate planning or contact us.