Social media shapes how we communicate, share memories and even conduct business. Yet, not many people think about what will happen to their accounts after death. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X have policies for account management after death, but leaving these decisions in default settings may not reflect your wishes.
Your social media accounts may hold sentimental value and, in some cases, financial worth. Planning for their management helps to ensure they are handled the ways you prefer. Whether you want to memorialize an account, transfer control to someone you trust or delete it entirely, a comprehensive estate plan can address these wishes.
How to manage digital assets in your estate plan
To include social media accounts in your estate plan:
- Start by taking inventory of all your accounts and login credentials: Create a list of platforms, usernames and passwords, but do not include this information in your will, as it becomes a public document during probate. Instead, use a secure password manager and designate a trusted individual to access it upon your passing.
- Review the specific policies of each platform: For example, Facebook allows users to choose a “legacy contact” to manage their account, while Google provides an “Inactive Account Manager” feature to designate someone to access your account data.
- Consider including your social media accounts in a digital assets trust: A trust gives a trustee legal authority to manage your digital assets as per your will, avoiding complications during probate. Working with a legal team can help ensure this part of your estate plan complies with New York’s laws, including the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA).
Including social media accounts in your estate plan is essential to protecting your digital legacy. By clearly outlining your wishes and leveraging legal tools like trusts, your online presence can reflect your preferences even after you are gone.
It is a good idea to enlist legal guidance when handling the complexities of digital assets and estate planning. A knowledgeable legal team can help you create a comprehensive plan that addresses traditional and digital assets, promoting peace of mind for the future.