Managing Online Accounts After Death: 3 Examples

As our lives become increasingly digital, managing online accounts after death has become a vital aspect of estate planning. Digital assets, such as social media profiles, email accounts, and online subscriptions, require careful consideration to ensure they are handled according to the deceased’s wishes. Below are three practical examples to illustrate how to manage online accounts after death.

Example 1: Social Media Account Management

In today’s digital age, many individuals maintain active social media profiles. These profiles can hold significant sentimental value and may require specific instructions in a will.

For instance, John, a 45-year-old graphic designer, had a substantial Facebook presence where he shared his artwork and connected with friends. In his will, he included a clause specifying that his Facebook account should be memorialized after his passing. This means that his profile would be converted into a memorial page, allowing friends and family to share memories while preventing any new posts. John also designated his sister as the account manager, giving her the ability to accept friend requests and respond to messages on his behalf.

Notes:

• Many social media platforms offer options for memorialization.
• It’s crucial to include specific usernames and passwords in a secure location, like a password manager.

Example 2: Email Account Access

Email accounts often contain essential information, from financial statements to personal correspondence. It is crucial to outline how these accounts should be handled in the event of death.

Mary, a 60-year-old retired teacher, maintained several email accounts for both personal and professional purposes. In her digital asset will, she specified that her primary Gmail account should be accessible to her husband, Tom, for a period of six months to manage any necessary correspondence and financial transactions. Mary provided detailed instructions on how to access the account, including recovery options and any two-factor authentication codes. After the six-month period, Tom is to delete the account if he deems it no longer necessary.

Notes:

• Email providers often have policies regarding account access after death; checking these can be beneficial.
• Consider setting up a legacy contact for accounts that allow it, such as Gmail.

Example 3: Online Subscriptions and Digital Assets

With the rise of digital subscriptions, managing access to services like streaming platforms or cloud storage after death is essential for both financial and emotional reasons.

David, a 35-year-old software engineer, had multiple digital subscriptions, including Netflix, Spotify, and cloud storage for his photography portfolio. In his will, he included a section dedicated to digital assets where he listed all his online subscriptions along with the associated passwords. David designated his close friend, Sarah, as the executor of these assets. He instructed Sarah to cancel all subscriptions after reviewing the contents of his cloud storage and sharing any necessary photos with family members. This ensured that his digital legacy was preserved while also managing ongoing expenses for his estate.

Notes:

• Provide clear instructions on what should happen to subscriptions, including cancellation or transfer.
• Maintain an updated list of digital assets to avoid confusion.

These examples highlight the importance of including digital assets in wills and providing clear instructions on how to manage online accounts after death. By planning ahead, individuals can ensure their digital legacies are handled according to their wishes.