Losing a Loved One
Digital Assets
Gaining access to a loved one’s digital assets can be complicated if they haven’t left you with usernames and passwords before their passing. Determining what to do those assets is an entirely separate factor if a digital estate plan isn’t in place. Accessing email accounts, securing social media pages, and managing online subscriptions isn’t typically at the top of your to-do list after losing a loved one, but it’s a step you won’t want to miss. We’ll guide you through the process and point you in the right direction to retrieving your loved one’s digital assets.
Digital Asset Types
When considering a loved one’s digital assets, it’s easy to consider items like online banking and computer passwords – but the possibilities don’t stop there. Digital assets could include:
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Online banking accounts
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Credit card accounts
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Utility accounts
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Subscription services
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Email accounts
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Social media accounts
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Shopping accounts
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Contacts lists
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Photo/video sharing and storage accounts
Steps to Take
Some accounts are easier to retrieve than others. Some will require a strict identification process, while others may be a phone call away. Here is a good rule of thumb:
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Order certified copies of the death certificate
If you haven’t already arranged this with the funeral home, contact the state’s office or the county clerk. We recommend ordering at least 5 copies, as some organizations will require an individual copy to keep for their records.
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Start with automated recovery systems
Thankfully, most digital services offer automated systems to recover or close an account by submitting a ticket request. Here are some resource pages to help get you started
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Facebook – Special Request for Medically Incapacitated or Deceased Person's Account
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Twitter – How to contact Twitter about a deceased family member's account
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Instagram – How do I report a deceased person's account on Instagram?
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Google – Submit a request regarding a deceased user's account
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PayPal – How do I close the PayPal account of a deceased relative?
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Contact companies directly
Most financial services require a formal authorization process to access or close accounts. These processes will include multiple steps, so contact the institution directly to speak with a representative for help.
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Compile documents and identification
Digital assets can be heavily protected, since they are especially vulnerable to scammers. Gather identification documents, Social Security numbers, bank statements, account numbers and other relevant information to speed up the process and avoid hiccups.
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Get a letter of testamentary
A letter of testamentary is a court-issued document that names the manager of an estate. If you are the executor of the will, forms you must submit forms to probate court to get your letter of testamentary. While it may be unnecessary for all online accounts, it could be required for administering the estate.
Prepare for Roadblocks
While some assets may be easy to access, others may require you to jump through a few hoops. Legal restrictions may be present in Terms of Service agreements, limiting who can access certain accounts and what can be recovered from them. Some companies have resorted to alternate solutions, such as Google’s “Inactive Account Manager” feature. Digital asset preferences can legally be included in estate plans, but account access may still be hindered depending on individual Terms of Service agreements. Keep this in mind as you navigate through the online account recovery process.
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