Handling Digital Inheritance: Guidelines for Managing Digital Assets and Online Accounts Left Behind by a Loved One

As our lives become increasingly digital, more of us are leaving behind a significant online presence when we pass away. From social media profiles to email accounts, cloud storage, and digital subscriptions, the task of managing these digital assets falls to our loved ones. At Newhaven Funerals NQ, we understand the importance of handling digital inheritance with care, ensuring that online legacies are managed according to the deceased’s wishes.

What Are Digital Assets?

Digital assets refer to any online accounts, data, or digital property that an individual owns. These assets can include:

• Social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
• Email accounts (Gmail, Outlook)
• Cloud storage accounts (Google Drive, iCloud)
• Online banking, investment platforms, or PayPal
• Digital photos, videos, and documents

These accounts often contain personal and financial information, which is why it’s essential to manage them responsibly after a loved one passes away.

Steps to Handle Digital Inheritance

1. Create an Inventory of Accounts: Begin by creating a comprehensive list of your loved one’s digital accounts, including login details, passwords, and any security questions.
2. Appoint a Digital Executor: It’s wise to appoint a trusted person in your will to manage your digital assets. This person will have access to your accounts and will follow the instructions you’ve left regarding account closures or legacy options.
3. Set Up Digital Legacy Features: Some platforms, like Facebook, allow you to appoint a legacy contact who will manage your account when you pass away. Similarly, Google has an Inactive Account Manager feature that allows you to decide what happens to your account if it’s inactive for a certain period.
4. Decide What Should Happen to Each Account: Do you want your accounts memorialised or deleted? Should your family have access to certain online files? Clearly outline your wishes to make things easier for your digital executor.

Managing Social Media Accounts

Each social media platform has different procedures for handling accounts after someone passes away. For example:

• Facebook: Allows users to appoint a legacy contact who can memorialise or delete the account.
• Instagram: Offers options for memorialisation or account removal upon request.
• LinkedIn: Allows family members to request the account’s removal.

By planning ahead, you can make it easier for your family to manage your digital assets and protect your privacy after you’re gone. At Newhaven Funerals NQ, we are here to guide families through this process with respect and care.