Digital Assets Post-Mortem
Here’s something I bet you’ve never thought about: how would your family or business partners access your online address book and emails if you die suddenly? So much of our lives have moved online, it’s an integral part of who we are and how we manage our businesses. And, if heirs have to sell a business after a death, not having access to all a company’s information may affect the sales price or even the sale itself. So, what to do to retrieve our online identity?
There are companies out there that will keep track of all this digital information, for a price, of course. Some web sites like www.MyLastEmail.com will store email messages and send them out after a client dies. Then there’s www.BCelebrated.com that will allow you to write your own autobiographical memorial (is that a little creepy?). One that caught my eye is www.LegacyLocker.com that works like a digital safe deposit box. You can store all your passwords with them (which Legacy Locker folks cannot see). That information will get transferred to your heirs or business associate when you die.
Another online service will be debuting next month that will add additional services: deactivating accounts and posting a final update on Facebook and Twitter. I can see the posting now: “I’m sorry to report that I won’t be able to keep in touch in the future…..”. So, wherever there is a digital question, there is an online solution. There are no details too small in estate planning. Check it out. Until next time, here’s to good planning!
Thanks, Rosy! This is excellent advice and a great accompaniment to the list of bank accounts kept with important estate planning documents. -Karen
Marilyn and I went into hysteria when we read this one – gales of laughter from the grave is what I want to leave my hiers. Thanks for thinking ahead for all of us.