By Elizabeth A. Caruso, Esq.
When most people hear “estate planning,” they think of wills, trusts, and bank accounts. But in today’s digital world, our lives extend far beyond paper documents and physical property. From online banking and email, to social media, photos stored in the cloud, and even cryptocurrency, much of what we own and manage now exists online. That’s why estate planning in the digital era is more important than ever.
Digital assets are anything you own or use online. This can include email accounts, social media profiles, online subscriptions, digital photos and videos, loyalty points, business websites, and financial accounts accessed through apps. Many people don’t realize that if they don’t plan for these assets, their loved ones may struggle or be completely unable to access them after they’re gone.
Imagine a family unable to retrieve precious photos because no one knows the password, or a spouse locked out of online bank accounts needed to pay bills. In some cases, accounts may be automatically deleted, or companies may refuse access due to privacy laws. Without clear instructions, digital assets can be lost forever.
Estate planning helps prevent this. A proper plan doesn’t just say who gets what, it also explains how to access it. This can include creating a list of digital accounts, safely storing usernames and passwords, or naming a trusted person to manage digital matters. Many estate plans now include a “digital executor,” someone specifically responsible for handling online assets.
Another important reason to plan is identity protection. Unmanaged digital accounts can be vulnerable to hacking or fraud after someone passes away. A clear plan allows accounts to be closed, memorialized, or transferred properly, reducing the risk of identity theft.
Estate planning in the digital age isn’t just for the wealthy or tech-savvy. If you use a smartphone, shop online, or share memories on social media, you already have a digital footprint worth protecting. Taking the time to plan now can save your loved ones stress, confusion, and heartache later. In simple terms, estate planning today is about more than property; it’s about protecting your legacy, both offline and online. Planning ahead ensures that what matters to you remains secure and accessible, even in a rapidly changing digital world.
About the Author: Elizabeth A. Caruso, Esq. is an attorney at Legacy Legal Planning, LLC, in Norwell. She has been practicing estate planning, probate, and elder law on the South Shore for more than a decade. If this article has sparked questions for you, please feel free to reach out via phone 781-971-5900 or email elizabeth@legacylegalplanning.com to schedule a time to discuss your unique situation.
