Union City Guide to Digital Asset Planning and Estate Management
Digital asset planning addresses the management and transfer of online accounts, cryptocurrency, digital photos, domain names, and other electronic property after incapacity or death. In Union City, Jay Johnson Law Firm helps residents understand how to assemble a reliable plan that protects value and provides clear directions to family and fiduciaries. A thoughtful plan reduces uncertainty and helps ensure that access is organized, legal obstacles are minimized, and the client’s digital legacy is preserved. This page explains practical steps, common issues, and how local law governs digital assets under Tennessee rules and provider policies.
Many people assume that passwords and accounts will automatically be accessible to heirs, but online services and state law can create barriers without intentional planning. The firm works with clients to inventory assets, document access instructions, and coordinate those instructions with wills, trusts, and powers of attorney when appropriate. Digital asset planning also considers privacy settings, account terms of service, and the specific wishes of the account holder regarding deletion, transfer, or preservation of content. By addressing these matters proactively, Union City residents can reduce legal friction and protect sentimental and financial value.
Why Digital Asset Planning Matters for Families and Estates
Digital assets often contain both sentimental and financial value, and without clear direction they can become inaccessible or lost. A digital asset plan helps ensure that key accounts and credentials are documented, that fiduciaries know how to proceed, and that the owner’s wishes for preservation or deletion are respected. This results in less stress for family members, fewer legal disputes, and a smoother process to settle the estate. Additionally, planning can help preserve passwords and keys securely, reduce the risk of identity theft, and allow digital property to be transferred or closed in an orderly fashion.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach to Digital Asset Planning
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves Union City and surrounding communities with practical estate planning and probate services, including digital asset planning. The team draws on years of experience in Tennessee estate matters to create plans that reflect local laws, provider policies, and client preferences. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, careful documentation, and coordination with existing estate documents so digital asset instructions work together with wills and powers of attorney. Clients receive direct guidance on privacy, access, and transfer options tailored to their family circumstances and the types of accounts they hold.
Understanding Digital Asset Planning and Its Scope
Digital asset planning covers a broad range of items that exist in electronic form, from social media profiles and email inboxes to cryptocurrency wallets, online banking credentials, and digital business assets. Planning begins with identifying what you own online, determining who should have access, and deciding what should happen to each asset. Some assets can be transferred directly, others require coordination with service providers, and some may be subject to contractual restrictions. Effective planning maps these distinctions and sets out practical steps for fiduciaries to follow when acting on behalf of the account holder.
A comprehensive plan balances security and accessibility: credentials and keys must be protected while also being available to authorized people when necessary. This often involves a secure inventory, use of password managers, designation of a trusted person to handle digital property, and written directions within estate documents. Decisions should also consider the longevity of accounts and whether the owner wants content archived, transferred, or deleted. A well-crafted plan anticipates common hurdles such as multi-factor authentication, provider policies, and the need for legal authority to act on an account.
What Digital Asset Planning Entails
Digital asset planning is the process of identifying electronic property, preparing instructions for access and disposition, and aligning those instructions with legal documents like wills and powers of attorney. It includes creating an inventory of accounts, designating who may access them, and documenting passwords or key-recovery methods in a secure manner. The plan also addresses service provider rules, such as those governing social media or cloud storage, and may outline whether items should be preserved, transferred, or deleted. The goal is practical clarity so fiduciaries can follow the owner’s wishes while complying with applicable law and provider terms.
Core Elements and Steps in a Digital Asset Plan
Key elements of a digital asset plan include a comprehensive inventory, instructions for access, secure storage of credentials, designation of a digital fiduciary, and integration with estate documents. The process starts with identifying accounts and estimating their value or sentimental importance, continues with documenting practical access methods, and concludes with legal authorization so designated individuals can act. Ongoing maintenance is important because accounts and passwords change. The plan should also address cryptocurrency custody, domain names, and business-related assets, and set a schedule for periodic review and updates.
Key Terms and Glossary for Digital Asset Planning
Familiarity with common terms helps clients navigate planning decisions. The glossary below defines frequently used concepts such as digital asset, digital fiduciary, access credentials, and account transfer mechanisms. Understanding these terms clarifies what information a plan should include and how fiduciaries will follow the owner’s instructions. While provider policies and technology evolve, clear definitions ensure everyone involved understands roles and procedures. This section offers plain-language meanings and practical notes to help Union City residents make informed choices about their digital estate.
Digital Asset
A digital asset is any item with value or significance that exists in electronic form. This includes online financial accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, social media profiles, email accounts, cloud-stored documents, digital photographs, domain names, and virtual property. The importance of each digital asset varies: some have monetary value, others hold sentimental photos or business records. For planning purposes, it matters whether an asset can be transferred, requires passwords or keys, or is controlled by a third-party provider with specific terms. Identifying and categorizing these assets is the first step of any effective digital asset plan.
Digital Fiduciary
A digital fiduciary is a person appointed to manage or carry out instructions for digital assets when the owner is incapacitated or deceased. That role may be given through a power of attorney, will, trust, or a separate appointment depending on the asset and applicable law. A digital fiduciary should have clear written authority, access instructions, and knowledge of which accounts require additional authentication or provider intervention. Naming a trusted, available individual and providing secure access methods helps ensure the fiduciary can carry out the owner’s wishes promptly and legally.
Access Credentials and Authentication
Access credentials include usernames, passwords, recovery keys, multi-factor authentication methods, and any other tools needed to log in to accounts or recover access. Authentication may also involve biometric locks or device-based approvals. Securely documenting these credentials while keeping them protected from unauthorized use is a key challenge in planning. Options include a secure password manager, a sealed document stored with a trusted party, or instructions for where recovery information is kept. The planning goal is to balance security with the ability for authorized persons to gain access when necessary.
Transfer Mechanisms and Provider Policies
Transfer mechanisms describe how digital assets can be moved or assigned to others, and they differ by asset type and provider. Some platforms allow account transfer to a designated person, others require a court process or produce limited options for heirs. Cryptocurrency may require private keys, while domain names can be transferred via registrar procedures. Provider policies and terms of service often dictate what is permitted. A sound plan identifies the appropriate mechanism for each asset, anticipates provider requirements, and documents steps fiduciaries should follow to complete transfers or closures.
Comparing Limited and Comprehensive Digital Asset Approaches
A limited approach to digital asset planning might involve noting a few key accounts and leaving passwords with a trusted person, while a comprehensive approach inventories all digital property, integrates access details with estate documents, and plans for complex holdings like cryptocurrency. Limited plans can be quick and cost-effective, but may leave gaps that create obstacles for heirs. Comprehensive planning reduces ambiguity and better prepares fiduciaries for provider requirements and technical hurdles. Deciding between the two depends on the number and complexity of assets, family circumstances, and how much future-proofing the owner wants.
When a Limited Digital Asset Plan May Be Appropriate:
Simple, Low-Value Digital Holdings
A limited plan can be appropriate when digital holdings are modest and straightforward, such as a few email accounts, basic social media, and standard cloud storage without significant financial value. In these situations, documenting a small number of account credentials and naming a trusted individual to handle them can be effective. The goal is to ensure loved ones can access meaningful content and close or memorialize accounts without needing extensive legal processes. Even with a limited plan, it is important to update information periodically so access remains current.
Minimal Risk of Access Complications
If accounts do not involve multi-signature authentication, high-value financial assets, or business interests, a limited approach that provides clear instructions and secure storage of credentials may be reasonable. When family members are tech-savvy and there are no conflicting claims anticipated, keeping a concise inventory and leaving directions with a trusted contact can resolve most issues. However, owners should be aware that provider policies and security features sometimes require legal authority, so a limited plan should still consider whether additional legal documents are needed for specific accounts.
When a Comprehensive Digital Asset Plan Is Advisable:
High-Value or Complex Digital Holdings
Comprehensive planning is recommended when digital assets include cryptocurrency, online businesses, domain portfolios, or accounts tied to significant financial value. These assets often require special handling, secure transfer mechanisms, and careful documentation to ensure continuity or transfer. A full plan coordinates legal authority, technical custody, and succession instructions so that fiduciaries can manage or transfer assets without unnecessary legal dispute. It also helps protect the value of assets that depend on access to keys, passwords, or multi-factor systems.
Complicated Family or Legal Circumstances
When family dynamics are complex, multiple heirs are involved, or there is a risk of contested claims, a comprehensive plan provides clear legal authority and documentation to reduce conflict. It aligns digital asset instructions with wills, trusts, and powers of attorney so there is a coherent plan for both physical and electronic property. Comprehensive planning also anticipates provider requirements and potential court processes, minimizing delays and uncertainty that can arise when multiple parties assert differing intentions for digital assets.
Benefits of a Comprehensive Digital Asset Planning Approach
A comprehensive digital asset plan reduces uncertainty and streamlines the process for fiduciaries, providing clear instructions for access, transfer, or deletion of accounts. It improves the likelihood that sentimental items are preserved and financial assets are properly transferred. Comprehensive planning can prevent identity theft by ensuring credentials are handled responsibly, and it can reduce the emotional and administrative burden on family members who otherwise would have to reconstruct access from scratch. The plan also creates a durable record aligned with other estate documents.
By addressing complex assets and provider-specific rules proactively, a comprehensive plan can minimize the need for court involvement and reduce legal costs that might arise from disputes or unclear authority. It facilitates smoother administration of estates that include online businesses or cryptocurrency, and it helps ensure that the owner’s digital legacy is carried out according to their wishes. Regular updates and coordinated documentation make the plan resilient to changes in technology and personal circumstances, preserving value and intent over time.
Preservation of Access and Continuity
A comprehensive plan focuses on maintaining access to important accounts and ensuring continuity for assets that have ongoing value or operations. This is particularly important for online businesses, subscription services, or financial accounts that require timely management. Clear instructions and documented access reduce delays in settling accounts and prevent missed opportunities that can arise when digital property becomes inaccessible. Preservation of access also protects sentimental content such as photos and messages that family members may wish to retain.
Reduction of Family Conflict and Legal Uncertainty
When digital asset decisions are clearly documented and integrated with estate documents, there is less room for misunderstanding or disagreement among heirs. A comprehensive plan defines roles, authority, and procedures so fiduciaries can carry out instructions efficiently. This transparency helps reduce the emotional strain on family members during an already difficult time and lowers the risk of contested proceedings. By aligning legal authority with practical access steps, a comprehensive approach brings clarity and calm to the settlement process.
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Practical Tips for Managing Digital Assets
Create a Secure Inventory
Begin by compiling a secure, regularly updated inventory of all online accounts and digital holdings. Include account names, URLs, usernames, and notes about where passwords or recovery methods are stored. Indicate which assets have financial value, which are sentimental, and any that are tied to business operations. Store the inventory in a secure location such as an encrypted file or a reputable password manager, and make sure your designated fiduciary knows how to access it in an authorized manner. Regular reviews ensure the inventory remains accurate as accounts change.
Secure and Share Access Safely
Integrate Digital Directions with Estate Documents
Digital asset instructions are most effective when integrated with wills, trusts, and powers of attorney so there is clear legal authority to act. Specify who should manage, delete, or transfer particular accounts and how to handle encrypted or high-value assets. Drafting these directions alongside other estate planning documents ensures consistency and helps fiduciaries take prompt action without navigating conflicting instructions. Review and update all documents periodically to reflect changes in technology, account ownership, or personal wishes so your plan remains current and reliable.
Reasons Union City Residents Should Consider Digital Asset Planning
Digital assets can represent meaningful financial value or irreplaceable memories, but without preparation they may be lost or difficult for heirs to access. Planning reduces the burden on family members by providing instructions, legal authority, and secure access methods. It also helps prevent identity theft and ensures that business-related digital property continues to be managed. For residents of Union City, local knowledge about Tennessee law and provider practices helps tailor a plan that works within the relevant rules and minimizes surprises during estate administration.
Many people delay addressing digital assets because they seem intangible or because they are unsure where to start. A practical planning process captures what matters, clarifies who will act, and sets out steps for both routine and exceptional situations. Whether the priority is preserving family photos, transferring domain names, or protecting cryptocurrency holdings, planning mitigates risk and offers peace of mind. Regular review of the plan keeps it aligned with changing accounts, technology, and family circumstances, ensuring continuity when it is needed most.
Common Situations That Lead People to Seek Digital Asset Planning
Circumstances that prompt digital asset planning include preparing for aging or potential incapacity, managing online business interests, confronting the death of a family member, or addressing high-value digital holdings like cryptocurrency. Life events such as marriage, divorce, or changes in family structure also make it important to update access and beneficiary instructions. Preparing ahead of time helps avoid rushed decisions and ensures that the estate plan accurately reflects current holdings and relationships, so assets are handled according to the owner’s wishes.
Incapacity Planning and Health Changes
When health changes occur or incapacity is a concern, digital asset planning ensures someone can manage necessary online accounts for bills, communications, and medical records. Planning creates a clear path for authorized persons to access digital accounts needed for ongoing care and financial management. Without this step, families may face delays or legal hurdles that complicate daily life. Documenting access and legal authority in advance reduces stress and helps caregivers handle essential tasks promptly and in accordance with the owner’s instructions.
Death of a Family Member
After a loved one dies, families often discover that important accounts are locked or that provider policies limit access to content. Digital asset planning prepares for this possibility by naming who should receive instructions and by documenting account details and desired outcomes. This can prevent the loss of important records, sentimental materials, and financial assets tied to online accounts. Clear instructions reduce confusion at a difficult time and help heirs complete necessary tasks more efficiently and with fewer legal obstacles.
Online Business or Crypto Holdings
Owners of online businesses, domain portfolios, or cryptocurrency holdings need tailored plans because these assets often require specific technical steps to transfer control. Cryptocurrency in particular may depend entirely on private keys or hardware wallets, so custody arrangements and clear recovery instructions are essential. Business assets may require continuity planning to avoid disrupting operations. A comprehensive plan identifies the right transfer mechanisms, secures keys and credentials, and provides legal authorization so designated individuals can manage or transfer assets according to the owner’s wishes.
Union City Digital Asset Planning Services
Jay Johnson Law Firm is available to help Union City residents assemble and maintain practical digital asset plans that align with Tennessee law and applicable provider rules. The firm assists with inventorying accounts, documenting access procedures, designating fiduciaries, and integrating directions with existing estate documents. Clients receive clear written plans and guidance on secure storage of credentials, options for complex assets like cryptocurrency, and periodic reviews to keep information current. Call 731-206-9700 to arrange an initial consultation focused on your digital estate concerns.
Why Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for Digital Asset Planning
Jay Johnson Law Firm offers practical, locally focused guidance tailored to Union City and Obion County residents who want to preserve digital property and simplify estate administration. The firm prioritizes clear communication and detailed documentation so fiduciaries can act with confidence. Planning services are coordinated with other estate documents to provide a unified approach that addresses both physical and digital property. Clients receive a plan designed to work with Tennessee law and provider policies, helping to avoid common pitfalls and unnecessary delays.
The firm assists with a full range of digital asset matters, from creating secure inventories and documenting recovery methods to advising on cryptocurrency custody and online business continuity. Legal documents are drafted to grant appropriate authority and to set out specific directions for disposition of digital items. The team works with clients to identify which assets require additional legal steps and which can be addressed through practical instructions, ensuring the plan reflects each client’s priorities and reduces undue complexity for heirs.
Clients benefit from a process that emphasizes regular updates and user-friendly documentation so plans remain current as accounts and technologies evolve. The firm helps coordinate third-party services such as password managers and secure storage solutions, and it explains provider procedures so clients know what to expect. This hands-on approach helps Union City individuals preserve value and memories, limit administrative burdens on heirs, and provide clear directions to fiduciaries who will manage digital assets in the future.
Ready to Protect Your Digital Legacy? Contact Us in Union City
Our Digital Asset Planning Process
The firm follows a structured process to create reliable digital asset plans. We begin with a confidential inventory of accounts and digital holdings, assess practical access needs and legal authority, draft or update estate documents to include digital directions, and advise on secure storage for credentials. We also identify any complex assets that may need special handling, such as cryptocurrency or online business assets. Finally, we recommend a schedule for periodic review so the plan remains aligned with changing accounts, relationships, and technology.
Step 1: Inventory and Assessment of Digital Holdings
An accurate inventory is the foundation of effective planning. We work with clients to list all relevant accounts, document how they are accessed, note recovery methods, and determine the legal and sentimental value of each item. The assessment also flags accounts that may require special attention due to provider rules, multi-factor authentication, or ownership disputes. This step clarifies what documentation and authority will be necessary, and it informs whether the client should adopt a limited approach or a more comprehensive plan.
Gathering Account Information and Credentials
Collecting account names, URLs, associated email addresses, and notes about password storage or recovery is essential. Where possible, document whether multi-factor authentication is enabled and how approvals are delivered. For cryptocurrency, identify wallet types, private key locations, and custody arrangements. This information is stored securely and discussed with the client so that authorized persons will know both the importance and the proper handling of each item. Confidentiality and secure handling of credential information are emphasized throughout the process.
Reviewing Legal Documents and Provider Policies
We review existing wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to determine whether they grant appropriate authority over digital assets. Provider policies for major platforms and financial services are examined to identify required steps for access or transfer. This review helps determine whether additional language, a separate digital asset designation, or a court process might be needed. The goal is to align legal authority with practical access so fiduciaries can carry out the owner’s wishes without encountering unexpected legal or procedural obstacles.
Step 2: Drafting Clear Instructions and Legal Authority
After assessing assets and provider requirements, the next step is drafting the necessary documents and instructions. This may include updating powers of attorney to address digital assets, adding trust provisions, or preparing a detailed memorandum that outlines access instructions and disposition preferences. The documents are tailored to the client’s goals and the specific types of assets involved. Clear, specific language helps fiduciaries know how to act and reduces the likelihood of disputes or delays during administration.
Designating Fiduciaries and Setting Roles
Choosing who will manage digital assets is an important decision. We help clients name fiduciaries and specify their responsibilities, including whether a person may access, transfer, or delete accounts. Roles are matched to the complexity of the assets; for example, a different person may be designated to handle business assets than to manage personal photos. Clear role definitions and backup designees provide continuity while reducing ambiguity for family members and service providers.
Selecting Transfer Methods and Protective Measures
This stage determines how assets will change hands or be managed, identifying appropriate transfer mechanisms and safeguards to protect privacy and value. For cryptocurrency, that may involve custody arrangements or instructions for hardware wallets. For social media, it may involve memorialization or account deletion preferences. Protective measures can include encryption, secure storage recommendations, and instructions for preserving records. The aim is to create actionable steps that fiduciaries can follow with minimal friction.
Step 3: Implementation, Storage, and Ongoing Review
Implementation involves executing the legal documents, arranging secure storage for credentials, and delivering necessary instructions to designated fiduciaries. We also recommend practical measures such as using reputable password managers and documenting where recovery information is stored. The plan includes a schedule for periodic review to reflect account changes, security updates, or life events like marriage or divorce. Ongoing maintenance ensures the plan remains reliable and reflective of current wishes and technologies.
Securing Credentials and Providing Authorized Access
Securing credentials requires selecting methods that protect against unauthorized access while allowing fiduciaries to carry out their duties. Options include encrypted storage, reputable password managers with clear recovery procedures, or sealed records held with trusted parties. We help clients document the location of credentials and provide legally appropriate authorization so fiduciaries can obtain access when necessary. This balance reduces the risk of misuse while ensuring continuity and access in times of incapacity or after death.
Periodic Review and Updating of Digital Plans
Technology and personal circumstances change, making periodic review essential. We recommend revisiting digital asset plans on a regular schedule or after major life events. Updates ensure account lists are current, that recovery methods remain valid, and that legal documents reflect present wishes. Regular reviews also address evolving provider policies and new asset types. This proactive approach keeps the plan effective and reduces the likelihood of surprises for family members and fiduciaries when it is needed most.
Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Asset Planning
What counts as a digital asset in estate planning?
Digital assets include any accounts or property that exist in electronic form, such as email, social media, cloud storage, online banking, investment accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, domain names, digital business assets, and digital media like photos and videos. The importance of each item varies; some have monetary value while others have sentimental significance. Identifying and categorizing these assets is the first step in planning so that appropriate access and disposition instructions can be created. When compiling an inventory, note account names, associated emails, usernames, and where passwords or keys are stored. Also indicate whether multi-factor authentication is enabled and any provider-specific steps required to access or transfer the asset. This level of detail helps fiduciaries and legal representatives act efficiently when the time comes.
How do I make sure family members can access my online accounts?
To ensure family members can access online accounts, document an inventory and provide secure instructions for accessing credentials while maintaining appropriate safeguards. Options include using a secure password manager, creating a sealed record to be released by a fiduciary, or providing clear instructions in a memorandum linked to estate documents. It is important to balance ease of access with protection against unauthorized use. Legal authority should also be confirmed: update wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to grant clear authority over digital assets when necessary. Provider policies sometimes require additional steps, so coordinating legal instructions with practical access methods reduces delays and misunderstandings when family members need to act.
Do I need to include digital assets in my will or trust?
Including digital assets in a will or trust can be effective, but the right approach depends on the asset type. A will can direct distribution of certain digital property, while a trust can provide more flexible, immediate management without probate delays. Some accounts cannot be transferred through a will and instead require provider-specific procedures or naming a beneficiary directly on the account. Legal documents should be drafted to grant fiduciaries authority to access and manage digital assets, and they should reference any separate memoranda or inventories that contain the specific account details. Coordinating documentation helps ensure that digital directions are enforceable and work in concert with the rest of your estate plan.
What should I do about cryptocurrency and private keys?
Cryptocurrency and private keys require particular attention because possession of the private key often equates to control of the funds. Plan for secure storage of private keys and hardware wallets, and document recovery methods so authorized persons can access holdings without exposing keys to theft. Options include trusted custody services, secure physical storage, or well-documented transfer instructions. Legal authority should be established in estate documents so fiduciaries have a clear path to manage or transfer holdings. Because cryptocurrency rules and technologies evolve, it is important to review these arrangements periodically to maintain access and protect value for intended beneficiaries.
Will service providers release my account information to my heirs?
Whether a service provider will release account information to heirs depends on the provider’s policies and applicable law. Some platforms have specific procedures for memorialization or account transfer, while others restrict access and may require a court order. It is important to check provider terms and document instructions that align with those policies. A coordinated plan that includes legal authority, clear instructions, and supporting documentation increases the likelihood that providers will allow designated persons to manage accounts. Preparing in advance reduces the need for time-consuming legal proceedings and helps ensure the owner’s wishes are followed whenever possible.
How can I securely store passwords and recovery keys?
Secure storage for passwords and recovery keys can be achieved through reputable password managers, encrypted digital vaults, or secure physical storage such as a safe deposit box. Choose methods that offer strong encryption and reliable recovery options, and avoid insecure practices like leaving passwords in plain text. Ensure that the chosen method includes a plan for authorized release to fiduciaries when appropriate. Document the chosen storage approach and provide instructions for accessing it in your estate plan. Updating these instructions when passwords or authentication methods change is essential to avoid locked accounts and inaccessible assets at critical times.
Can a power of attorney cover digital assets?
A power of attorney can be drafted to cover digital assets, granting an agent the authority to access and manage online accounts during incapacity. The document should include explicit language addressing digital property, access credentials, and the agent’s scope of authority. Not all standard forms include digital asset language, so it is important to review and tailor the document to cover relevant accounts and actions. Because of provider policies and authentication technologies, an agent may still face practical barriers even with legal authority. Combining a properly drafted power of attorney with clear instructions and secure access methods helps ensure the agent can act effectively when needed.
Should I name a separate person to handle digital assets?
Naming a separate person to handle digital assets can be beneficial when those holdings require technical knowledge or specific handling that differs from other estate duties. This designee can be responsible for managing online accounts, handling private keys, or coordinating with service providers. Designating a backup is also wise, in case the primary designee is unavailable or unwilling to serve. Be sure that the chosen person is trustworthy and that their responsibilities are clearly documented in estate documents and instructions. Providing training or an orientation about where credentials and recovery options are stored can smooth the transition and reduce the likelihood of delays when action is needed.
How often should I update my digital asset plan?
Digital asset plans should be reviewed periodically and after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, change in financial holdings, or change in account access methods. Technology evolves rapidly and provider policies can change, so a scheduled review helps ensure that inventories, access methods, and legal documents remain accurate and effective. A typical review schedule is once every one to two years, or sooner if significant account changes occur. Updating documentation at those times preserves continuity and prevents problems arising from outdated recovery information or new authentication measures.
What steps should I take immediately after losing a loved one with digital accounts?
Immediately after losing a loved one, locate any estate planning documents and a secure inventory of digital accounts if available. Contact the person named to manage digital assets and preserve any devices or records that may contain access information. Carefully check provider policies for reporting a death and follow their procedures for account memorialization or closure. If no plan exists, consult with a legal advisor to determine the appropriate steps and whether court intervention is needed to obtain access. Acting promptly can preserve valuable information and reduce the risk that accounts become inaccessible due to inactivity or security measures.