Dying in an Electronic World

What happens to your online accounts after you die?

Hi Everyone! Have I got a dry, boring blog post for you. I know. Your first instinct may be to find something much more entertaining to read but stick with me. This is essential stuff, and very few of us are prepared.

What happens to our online accounts, and how do our executors or loved ones access them after they die?

I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and to be honest, I am a bit overwhelmed when I think of how much I do online and how I can organize accounts, subscriptions, and services to make things easier for my loved ones after I die.

Preparing your electronic accounts for your death is a crucial yet often overlooked task. It helps ensure that your digital assets are managed properly, minimizing stress for your loved ones and preventing potential complications.

Why Preparing Your Electronic Accounts Matters

• Digital Legacy: In today’s world, our digital assets—social media profiles, online banking, email accounts, cloud storage, etc.—are just as important as our physical possessions. Even if you have a very small digital presence online, you likely don’t want your information “out there” in perpetuity.
• Legal and Practical Implications: Without proper preparation, your loved ones may face difficulties accessing your accounts, managing assets, or even dealing with identity theft.
• Peace of Mind: By planning ahead, you can ensure your digital affairs are taken care of according to your wishes, reducing the burden on family members during an already difficult time. I have often said that the best gift we can leave our loved ones is an organized estate so that they can spend less time trying to make difficult decisions and more time in the grieving space, remembering you and loving you, You know what it is like to make decisions under stress – we have all had to do it. It’s an overwhelming state of mind. Let’s make it easier for our loved ones.

Key Steps to Take Now

• Create an Inventory of Your Accounts and Digital Assets
  • List and categorize your online accounts (e.g., banking, email, social media, subscriptions, etc.).
  • Include account numbers, usernames, and specific details to access these accounts.
• Password Management
  • Use a reputable password manager to store your passwords securely.
  • Ensure your password manager account has recovery options and emergency access.
• Designate a Digital Executor
  • Choose someone trustworthy to act as your digital executor. This person will be responsible for handling your electronic accounts and digital assets after your death.
  • Document your choice formally (e.g., in your will) to give them legal authority.
  • Consider choosing someone savvy in the digital world. Avoid choosing someone who might have a huge learning curve in the virtual space before they can even begin to carry out your wishes.

Communicating Your Wishes

• Create a Written Document
  • Draft a comprehensive document detailing your wishes for each type of account.
  • Include specific instructions (e.g., whether you want a social media account memorialized, deleted, or passed on to a particular person).
• Share Your Plan with Your Executor
  • Ensure your chosen executor has the information they need to access your accounts, including any backup keys or recovery options.

Navigating Account-Specific Procedures

• Social Media Accounts
  • Most platforms have built-in options to memorialize or delete accounts. For example, Facebook allows you to assign a legacy contact to manage your profile after you pass away.
• Banking and Financial Accounts
  • Ensure your bank has information on your digital assets, such as online banking and investment accounts, and the legal process for accessing them.
• Cloud Storage
  • Ensure your executor can access your cloud services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) to recover documents, photos, or other data you want preserved or shared.

Preparing for the Unexpected

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
  • Set up 2FA for your accounts to increase security but make sure your executor has access to backup codes. More about 2FA and backup codes in a future blog.
• Consider Legacy Options and Account Deactivation Policies
  • Review the terms of service for accounts to understand how they handle deceased users (e.g., whether an account will be deleted after inactivity or if it can be transferred). You might be surprised at some of the terms, and some subscriptions might be difficult for your digital executor to cancel.

Legal Considerations

• Update Your Will
  • Mention digital assets and your digital executor in your will to ensure your wishes are legally recognized. I wonder how many people have done this? I had never thought of this before researching this article, but when I update my Will in the new year, I will include a digital executor.
• Check Provincial and Federal Legislation
  • Some places have specific laws governing digital assets, so understanding these can be critical. I wouldn’t put this at the top of the list, but it’s definitely a consideration.

Tips and Best Practices

• Keep Your Plan Up-to-Date
  • Review your document regularly to add new accounts or remove ones you no longer use. I like to schedule times to review my assets, finances, and plans in my phone calendar. Whether you do it every six months, every year, or anything in between, it’s a lot easier to have a reminder!
• Ensure Safety and Privacy
  • Be mindful of who you share your access information with and how it’s stored.

Your Digital Legacy

Taking the time now to plan for your digital afterlife can make a meaningful difference for those you leave behind. It’s an act of kindness and foresight that ensures your legacy continues in the way you intend.