We plan for our homes, savings, even who gets the good china. But have you thought about what happens to your online life when you’re gone?
These days, we live through screens. We share family photos on Facebook, save recipes in cloud folders, and even run businesses from our laptops. Yet when creating an estate plan, we often overlook the digital side of life.
That can leave loved ones locked out of memories—or stuck in red tape just to close an account.
Recently, a young woman came to me after her husband passed. All their family photos were on his computer. We had to get a court order just to access them.
Why Your Digital Life Matters
Your online presence is more than just passwords. It’s birthday messages, wedding albums, a cherished blog, or even an Etsy shop where you’ve built a brand and income.
Without a plan, these pieces can vanish—or worse, live on in ways that are painful or awkward for those left behind.
Florida Law Gives You a Say—If You Plan Ahead
In Florida, the law lets your personal representative or trustee access your digital assets—but only if you give written permission. Without it, companies like Google or Etsy won’t grant access—even to a spouse. Our firm includes this protection in your plan.
What You Can Do Today
Take a few simple steps now to protect your digital legacy:
Make a digital inventory: Email accounts, Social media, Cloud storage, Online banking/investments, E-commerce or creative platforms
Store Logins Securely: Use a password manager or encrypted file accessible to your designated contact.
Use Built-In Tools : Facebook’s Legacy Contact, Google’s Inactive Account Manager, Apple’s Digital Legacy
Include Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan: Work with an estate planning attorney to legally authorize someone to manage or close your digital accounts.
Communicate Your Wishes: Let loved ones know your plan. Clarify if you want accounts memorialized, deleted, or passed on.
A Note for Creative Entrepreneurs
If you sell on Etsy, run an eBay store, or teach lessons online—those digital ventures are part of your estate. Be sure someone can continue or close your shop in a way that honors what you built. Visit https://jakoblegal.com/why-every-etsy-seller-needs-a-digital-estate-plan/ to learn more.
Don’t Let Your Digital Legacy Disappear
Your online life deserves the same protection as the rest of your estate. It’s part of the story you leave behind—and it matters deeply to those who love you. Visit https://jakoblegal.com/your-digital-legacy/ to explore more.
