As digital technology continues to become more integral to our daily lives, it becomes increasingly important to include digital assets in estate planning.

Digital assets encompass everything from social media accounts to cryptocurrencies, and planning for their management after your death can prevent confusion and ensure your wishes are respected. Therefore, understanding how to manage these assets is crucial.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started.

What Are Digital Assets?

Digital assets refer to any electronic record to which an individual has a right or interest. These can include:

• Financial Assets: Online bank accounts, investment accounts, and cryptocurrencies.
• Business Assets: Domain names, client data, and intellectual property.
• Personal Assets: Email accounts, photos, and social media profiles.
• Social Assets: Loyalty program points and digital memberships.

Common Questions About Digital Assets in Estate Planning

1. Why Should I Include Digital Assets in My Estate Plan?

Including digital assets ensures your heirs can access important information and manage your online presence according to your wishes.

This step can prevent identity theft, preserve sentimental items, and ensure financial assets are properly distributed.

2. How Do I Start Planning for Digital Assets?

• Inventory Your Assets: Create a comprehensive list of all your digital accounts, including login credentials and security information. Update this list regularly.
• Appoint a Digital Executor: Designate a trusted person to manage your digital assets. This could be the same person as your traditional executor or a different individual.
• Legal Documentation: Ensure your digital assets are included in your will or trust. You may need to add a codicil to an existing will or create a separate document specifically for digital assets.
• Security Measures: Use a password manager and enable two-factor authentication on all accounts to protect your assets while you’re alive.

3. What Challenges Might Arise?

• Access Issues: Different platforms have varying policies regarding posthumous access. Some may require prior explicit consent or specific legal documentation.
• Legal Considerations: UK laws on data protection, privacy, and terms of service agreements govern the management of digital assets.

Steps to Include Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan

1. Make an Inventory: List all digital assets and their login details. Use a secure method to store this information, like a password manager.
2. Appoint a Digital Executor: Choose someone tech-savvy and trustworthy to handle your digital affairs.
3. Update Legal Documents: Work with an estate planning professional to include digital assets in your will or trust.
4. Inform Your Executor: Ensure your digital executor knows where to find the inventory and understands your wishes regarding each asset.

Legal Context in England and Wales

In England and Wales, the management of digital assets is influenced by:

• Terms of Service Agreements: These dictate the rights and limitations regarding posthumous access to digital accounts.
• Data Protection Laws: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 govern how personal data is handled.
• Wills and Probate Law: Executors are responsible for managing digital assets, and it is advisable to explicitly include digital asset management in your will.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planning for digital assets is crucial in modern estate planning.

Moreover, by taking the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your digital legacy is managed according to your wishes and that your loved ones can navigate your digital affairs smoothly.

If you find the process overwhelming, consider consulting an estate planning professional who can guide you through the process.

For more detailed information and personalised guidance, feel free to contact us at Beacon Advice.

Contact your local consultant directly or fill in the contact form here –

Contact / About Us – Beacon Advice

We specialise in comprehensive estate planning, including digital assets, and are here to help you every step of the way.