What happens to my digital estate after my death?
September 17, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Mia Widmann
Dear Estate Lawyer,
My name is Emma Lang and I am currently researching the topic of digital inheritance. After the passing of my grandmother, we discovered that she had numerous online accounts and subscriptions of which we were previously unaware. Now, I am concerned about what will happen to my own digital legacy when I am no longer here.
At this time, I do not know which online accounts and subscriptions I possess, let alone how to manage or delete them. I fear that my heirs may face similar difficulties to my family after my grandmother's passing.
Therefore, I would like to know from you what steps I can take to manage my digital inheritance and make it easier for my heirs to access. Is there a way to store all my online accounts and subscriptions in one central place? How can I ensure that my heirs will have access to my digital data in case of an emergency?
I would greatly appreciate your support and advice on this matter, in order to settle my affairs in a timely and proper manner.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Emma Lang
Dear Mrs. Lang,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding digital inheritance. It is understandable that you are concerned about how your heirs should handle your online accounts and subscriptions when you are no longer here. The digital traces we leave on the internet are becoming more numerous, and it is important to think early on about how to manage and regulate them.
There are various measures you can take to manage your digital inheritance and make it easier for your heirs to access it. One option is to create a list of all your online accounts and subscriptions. This list should contain all relevant information, such as usernames, passwords, the type of account, and any payment information. You can securely store this list in a place accessible only to your trusted individuals.
Furthermore, there are now specialized services and platforms available that allow you to manage your digital inheritance. These services offer the possibility to store all your online accounts and subscriptions in one central place and facilitate access for your heirs in case of an emergency. You can also leave instructions on what should happen to your digital data in the event of your death.
It is also advisable to include a provision for digital inheritance in your will. There, you can specify who should have access to your online accounts and subscriptions in the event of your passing and what should happen to the data. This provision can also help prevent disputes among heirs.
If you have any further questions about digital inheritance or need specific assistance in creating a list or provision, I am at your disposal. It is important to take care of these matters early on to ensure a smooth process for your heirs in case of an emergency.
I hope this information has been helpful to you, and I am available to assist you with any further questions.
Sincerely,
Mia Widmann
Estate Lawyer
