A digital asset is a term that encompasses any type of information or data existing online that you have exclusive use and access to. Examples include your email, social media accounts, and photos and documents saved to a cloud-storage system. In an increasingly tech-savvy world, more and more people have digital assets, and they should be included in any estate planning arrangements that are made. This way, sensitive information and images are kept private and passed along to someone you trust. Below are a few tips for including digital assets in an estate plan.

How to Include Digital Assets in an Estate Plan

1. Make a Comprehensive Inventory

First, create a document that serves as a central storehouse for all of your digital information. This inventory should contain a list of all email, social media, and other web-based accounts you hold; login information and passwords for each; and, if it's not apparently clear, what the account is used for. Mention this document and its location in your will or other estate planning documents, and tell your attorney or executor about its existence.

2. Choose a Trustworthy Executor

In most cases, people choose their executor to manage their digital assets after they've passed away. This is the same executor who will handle the administrative tasks of resolving the deceased person's estate. It is imperative to choose someone trustworthy and dependable to take on this role. They will be dealing with an abundance of personal information—digital and otherwise—and they will need to manage everything with discretion and professionalism.

3. Be Specific

Even though an executor is someone you've selected because you trust them, be specific about what rights and responsibilities they have when it comes to your digital assets. You may not be comfortable with them coming in and reading emails or private messages or viewing photos. In your will, state your intentions clearly. For instance, you might stipulate that they can only access these accounts to gather the necessary information to close them. Or, you might want them to have all the same rights and access to the information as you have. Make your wishes known; digital assets are as much a part of your legacy as anything else you leave behind.

Stuart R. Norman Jr. is an estate planning attorney who will help you make specific provisions for your digital assets. For over 40 years, the has been representing clients in New London County, CT. He also provides legal services for real estate transactions and related matters. To schedule a consultation, call (860) 376-0069. Visit his website today to learn more.