In our increasingly digital world, it’s essential to consider what happens to your online assets after you pass away. A digital executor is a person you appoint to manage your digital assets, such as social media accounts, emails, and online bank accounts, after your death. By designating a digital executor in your will, you ensure that your online presence and important data are handled according to your wishes. Here are three practical examples of how to appoint a digital executor.
When Jane realized the importance of managing her digital assets, she decided to appoint her brother, Mark, as her digital executor. Jane had a significant online presence, including several social media accounts and an online business. To formalize this appointment, she included a section in her will that clearly stated Mark’s responsibilities.
“I hereby appoint my brother, Mark Thompson, as my digital executor to manage and maintain my digital assets, including my social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), email accounts, and online business (Jane’s Crafts). Mark is authorized to access, modify, and close these accounts as he sees fit, following my wishes.”
By specifying Mark’s role, Jane made sure he knew exactly what was expected of him and provided him with the necessary authority to handle her digital assets effectively.
Note: It’s a good idea for Jane to have a conversation with Mark to ensure he is comfortable with the responsibilities associated with being a digital executor.
Tom, a tech-savvy individual with numerous online accounts, recognized the importance of clarity when appointing a digital executor. To ensure his executor could manage his digital assets effectively, he created a digital asset inventory. In his will, he included a section that detailed the inventory and the person he appointed.
“I appoint my friend, Lisa Carter, as my digital executor. Attached to my will is a comprehensive list of my digital assets, including login details and account information for my social media accounts, email, cloud storage, and online banking. Lisa is authorized to access and manage these accounts according to my wishes.”
By providing Lisa with an inventory, Tom made it easier for her to know exactly what she needed to manage.
Variation: Tom could also choose to update this inventory periodically to reflect any changes in his digital assets or accounts.
When Sarah passed away, she had a vast array of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, online subscriptions, and extensive social media accounts. Understanding the complexities involved, Sarah chose to appoint a professional executor, a digital estate planning service. In her will, she outlined her choice:
“I appoint Digital Estate Solutions as my digital executor to manage my digital assets upon my death. This includes overseeing my cryptocurrency accounts, social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram), and managing any online subscriptions I may have. They are authorized to transfer or close these accounts according to my wishes.”
By choosing a professional service, Sarah ensured that her digital assets would be handled with expertise.
Note: It’s essential for Sarah to ensure that the professional executor is aware of her digital assets and has the necessary information to access them.
Each of these examples illustrates how appointing a digital executor can vary depending on personal circumstances. Whether you choose a family member, create a comprehensive inventory, or hire a professional service, the key is ensuring your digital assets are managed according to your wishes.