In this Brave New Digital World full of tweets, emails, status updates and other as yet undiscovered communication phenomena, different people embrace the new technologies to different degrees. But we have to face the fact that, aside from some troglodyte Baby Boomers, we live in a digital world. Written communications, pictures, videos and passwords now live on our computers, iPads and smartphones as well as access to banking information, investments, tax information and the list goes on and on. We think we have some control over how these communications get released and disseminated and who has access to often highly personal information while we are alive, but what happens when we are no longer able to select what information goes to this person or that? Who owns your blogs and other content? Who can access your accounts? Various services have different policies; how do they conform to your desires? Can proper estate planning help? This new flat screen era adds a novel dimension to the human condition of dealing with death. While families may have once memorialized their lost loved one with private services and public obituaries, now they must also consider the information from and about their loved one online. This potentially adds another difficult layer to the grieving which will already accompany your passing.
While questions are plentiful, one thing is certain; you should consider what will happen to your digital assets, information and your digital life once you are no longer able to control them. Consider granting certain people access to your accounts or at least access to the passwords upon your death so they can login to your online social and financial accounts. You should also consider leaving instructions for your loved ones telling them what you want done with your digital assets. Perhaps you want them shut down, or maybe you would rather them live on as a remembrance of your life. Whatever your decision, be sure to consider these topics in your estate plan.
