How can you include your digital assets in your estate?

On Behalf of | Jan 6, 2022 | Estate Planning

In the current digital age, it is almost impossible to find someone who does not have some sort of digital footprint or at least a small sliver of their life online. You may have digital assets, an online bank account or social media profiles, and these are all things you want to take care of in the event of your death.

Fortunately, Florida law generally allows for the inclusion of digital assets in your estate plan and will. This way, you can ensure the protection and maintenance of all digital property after your death.

Memorializing your profiles

USA Today discusses how to organize your online life so your family is not left struggling in the wake of your death. First, you have the option of either deleting or memorializing some of your social media accounts. If you memorialize an account, it means that people can still view it, but no one can change it. You also retain the copyright to videos or images on your social media sites for up to 70 years after your passing. Thus, your estate can take content down if others post it, even if you do not leave instructions to do so in your will.

Managing your digital assets

You can also designate an estate representative specifically for your digital assets. They can help with the inventory and oversight of things like passwords and storage. They can also transfer any assets and deactivate any necessary accounts in a timely fashion, ensuring that everyone gets their share without any penalties. They can also manage your online accounts for you with your phone, computer and passwords. This person can preserve and maintain your image after your death as you wish for it to be, so select them with care.