Does Your Will Cover Your Online Assets and Social Media Accounts

When thinking about a will, many people don't consider how their heirs will handle their online assets or social media accounts. You have to be a YouTube star or popular blogger to have online assets which have value.  Even your Facebook or Twitter account needs to be considered in estate planning. 

Will your personal representative be able to access your social media accounts when you die? What about your email? Would you want these accounts preserved or deleted? What important data or valuable information do they hold?

It is mistaken to assume that your heirs will simply be able to access these accounts after you die.  Internet companies have a wide variety of policies about access to accounts of deceased account holders.  Unless you specifically address this issue in your will and specifically authorize your personal representative to handle these accounts, it may be difficult or even impossible for them to do so.  Moreover, you should keep a list of passwords to accompany your will that gives ready access to your personal representative or trustee.

Perhaps you want to limit the accounts your heirs can access, like a personal email. Whatever your preferences, this is an issue that everyone preparing their estate plan should consider.

We offer a comprehensive estate planning package at a low fixed cost.  Contact us today at 410-541-6384 or send us an email at Gregory.Kline@gklinelaw.com to get started.