por Kristen Ishihara y Chris Parker de Ishihara & Parker Law Firm PLLC

Have you ever wondered what happens to all your digital accounts, social media, and even that cryptocurrency you might have stashed away after you're gone? It’s something we don’t really think about, but in today’s digital world, it’s more relevant than ever. Let’s break it down.

Digital Assets? What Even Are Those?

Okay, so first things first—what do we mean by ‘digital assets’? Basically, it includes anything online or digital that belongs to you. This could be your social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), email, online banking, cryptocurrency, and even things like your Netflix or Spotify subscriptions. Oh, and let’s not forget those thousands of photos you’ve got stored on Google Drive or iCloud!

Who Gets Access When You’re Gone?

Here’s where things get tricky. Unlike physical assets like a house or a car, digital assets don’t always have a clear inheritance process. Different platforms have different policies when it comes to what happens to your accounts after you pass away.

• Facebook & Instagram: You can set a ‘Legacy Contact’ who can manage your account after your death, or you can request for your account to be deleted.
• Google: Google has an ‘Inactive Account Manager’ feature that lets you decide what happens if your account is inactive for a certain period of time.
• Apple & iCloud: Apple’s policies are a bit stricter. Unless you’ve left clear instructions in your will, it’s pretty tough for family members to gain access.
• Cryptocurrency: This one is a biggie because crypto wallets are usually locked with private keys. If no one else knows your key, your crypto could be lost forever.

What Can You Do Now?

So, what steps should you take to make sure your digital assets are handled properly?

1. Make a Digital Will – Just like a regular will, but for your online accounts and assets. Clearly outline who gets access to what.
2. Use Inactive Account Features – Platforms like Google offer options for what happens when your account is inactive for too long.
3. Share Important Info with Someone You Trust – Whether it’s a lawyer, a spouse, or a close friend, make sure someone knows where to find your passwords or recovery options (securely, of course!).
4. Set Up Legacy Contacts – If platforms offer the option, use it! This can prevent unnecessary stress for your loved ones later.

Lo esencial

We spend so much of our lives online, yet we rarely think about what happens to our digital selves after we’re gone. Taking a few simple steps now can save your loved ones a lot of hassle later on. So, take five minutes, check your settings, and maybe even start drafting that digital will. Future you (and your family) will thank you!

Have you ever thought about what happens to your digital assets? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

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