Navigating Digital Wills

 In Last Will and Testament

A will is necessary to ensure everything is in order after someone passes away. You do not have to be a certain age to start thinking about your will. Even though it is a difficult topic to discuss, it’s essential to know the plan for the future. A popular option for people now days is choosing the digital route. Since our daily life is intricately combined with technology, why not use it to create your will? One popular type of will is called a digital will. Here is how to navigate a digital will.

What is a digital will?

A digital will is another type of testament that works in accordance with an official will. People today have a larger presence online than they ever did before. It is not out of the ordinary to have digital assets online. These assets require attention like any other will. A digital will helps the family navigate a deceased family member’s online presence.

What does it entail?

For example, many people have online accounts like banking, billing, social, and more. A digital will instructs family members on how to close those accounts and what is needed. This ensures the privacy rights of the deceased are protected, as well as property. Here are examples that fall under the digital will category.

  1. Facebook
  2. Instagram
  3. Twitter
  4. LinkedIn
  5. Online Banking
  6. iTunes
  7. Music streaming profiles
  8. Cryptocurrency
  9. Emails
  10. Websites

 Creating Digital Will

A digital will can be created with the help of an attorney. Your attorney will know what exactly is required for your will to be official. There are a few simple steps your lawyer will walk you through. Here are four simple steps according to FindLaw, your attorney will complete with you!

  1. Inventory: You and your lawyer will need to sit down and create a list of your online presence. This includes any online accounts like the examples listed above. This ensures nothing is left out of the digital will.
  2. Instructions: You will create detailed instructions about each of your accounts. This instructs family members on how to proceed with your accounts after you pass. They will abide by these instructions as long as they are in your will.
  3. Executor: This is the person you will select to proceed with your will’s instructions. Choose this person wisely because you are trusting them to complete this process. Once someone passes away, dealing with a will can become a difficult process. As a result, some people may react poorly to the deceased’s desired wishes. This is why you must choose someone you can trust. Also, you need to include this person and their role in your official will.
  4. Storage: Your will is only valuable if it is the hands of your executor. This is why it’s essential to make sure it is accessible. If it requires a password, make sure your executor knows it. A smart tip would be to print and sign it, then have it stored with your other essential documents.

Conclusion

No one wants to think about or prepare for what happens after they die. Unfortunately, preparing your will early is a brilliant step. It is essential to think about all aspects of your life, property, and personal belongings. As you create your official will, remember to include your digital one too. For more information on digital wills, contact Slaughter Law Firm. At Slaughter Law, our attorney ensures everything will be taken care of. If you would like to learn more, visit us online here or call us at (423) 844-0560 today!