In a world where technology is constantly developing and more of our lives are online, it’s important to make sure that your digital assets are protected after your death.

A recent article in the Daily Express suggests that ‘more than 20 million Britons’ are at risk of losing the digital assets of a loved one who has passed away because they don’t know that they exist. This includes things like bank accounts, social media and photos and videos that could all be stored online. Unfortunately, this can lead to losses both financial and sentimental in value, for your estate and your family.

How you can protect your digital assets

Write a list

By writing a list of all your digital assets, including details like the name on the account and the website where to find them, you can ensure your family are able to easily locate them.  As part of our will writing service, we offer our ‘Just to Let You Know’ booklet.  Here, you can record wishes and feelings, that you would like your loved ones to be aware of, after your death. It includes a space to record any digital assets that you own and any significant details, relating to them. This can be stored with your will, so that all your personal information is protected, and your family can have access to it when you have passed away. 

 Speak to your loved ones

Another way to protect your digital assets is to speak to the people closest to you and that you trust, during your lifetime. Although discussing what will happen upon your death can be uncomfortable, it’s important that your loved ones are aware what you own and how you would like them to be dealt with. This ensures that the assets that are most important to you are protected and preserved by your family and friends. You can also tell your advisor at your will appointment what digital assets you own, which will be recorded in our ‘fact find’. This will be stored with your will so when you pass away your executors can obtain information about the assets you own, should they need them.

 Organise your social media accounts

Some social media platforms allow you to appoint people that you would like to manage your account, after your death.  For example, Facebook allows you to appoint a legacy contact, so that your nominated person can delete or memorialise your account on your behalf. Apple also allow you to appoint a legacy contact to access your account after your death and obtain photos and other information on your account. Legacy contacts such as these can be beneficial as they ensure that digital assets that may be sentimental to you and your loved ones are protected and not lost.

 Need more help?

It's vital that your loved ones are made aware of the digital assets that you own so that they can be protected, upon your death. If you would like further advice on protecting your digital assets and your will, please make an appointment to speak to one of our advisors. Call 0800 138 0458 or email help@switalskis.com