Digital End-of-Life Planning Basics

Today, end-of-life planning goes beyond traditional estate planning. Especially in New Zealand where our lives are so online, it’s a crucial part of daily life. 

The Internet has significantly changed the end-of-life process, from legacy preservation to digital memorials and tributes. 

Check out our guide to digital end-of-life planning here, as we cover all the basics.

Educating yourself and your loved ones about the importance of digital end-of-life planning and the steps involved in managing digital assets after death is the first step, so you’re already on the right track by reading these very words.

By addressing these basics, you can ensure that your digital legacy is managed according to your wishes and provide peace of mind to your loved ones during a difficult time.

Managing Digital Assets 

Some people prefer to have their accounts deleted for privacy reasons, while others may want to preserve them as a digital legacy. Decide whether you want your digital accounts to be deleted or preserved after your death. 

Communicate your end-of-life wishes to your loved ones, including your preferences for handling digital assets and accounts. Provide instructions on how to access important digital information and accounts.

Speaking of online accounts, social media profiles, digital files, and cryptocurrency holdings – the list of components to one’s digital legacy is often more far-reaching than one might think.

Individuals now need to consider these assets in their estate planning. This involves creating digital wills and including instructions for managing digital assets in traditional estate planning documents.

Strategies for Managing Digital Assets

Including digital assets in your estate planning documents, such as wills and trusts, saves stress and emotions in an already upsetting time. Make sure to specify who will inherit or manage your digital assets after your death. Your Internet footprint is as important as any other imprint on this planet that you will leave behind.

Appoint a digital executor responsible for managing your digital assets according to your wishes. This person should be tech-savvy and trustworthy. 

Review the terms of service for each online account to understand what happens to your account when you die. Some platforms allow you to designate a legacy contact or provide instructions for account management after your death.

Create an inventory of all your digital assets, including online accounts, social media profiles, email accounts, digital files (photos, documents), cryptocurrency holdings, and any other online presence or digital property. A digital executor will streamline these processes with you.

Store important digital information securely, using encrypted storage or password managers. Make sure your loved ones have access to these storage methods in case of emergency.

Another wise move is to periodically review and update your digital estate plan to reflect changes in your digital assets, accounts, and preferences.

Be aware of the legal implications of digital estate planning, including privacy laws, inheritance laws, and digital asset ownership rights. Consult with legal professionals who specialise in estate planning to ensure your plan complies with relevant laws and regulations.

Digital End-of-Life Planning Basics

Crafting Your Digital Legacy

The internet provides opportunities for individuals to create and preserve digital legacies, such as online memorial pages, blogs, or social media accounts dedicated to remembering loved ones. This allows memories and stories to be shared and preserved in a digital format, potentially reaching a wider audience.

Online platforms and memorial websites allow people to create digital memorials and tributes to honour and remember loved ones who have passed away. These platforms often provide features for sharing memories, photos, and stories, as well as connecting with others who knew the deceased. They can be looked back on and cherished in the future. 

Digital life changes frequently, with new accounts being created and others becoming obsolete. Most people have accounts they have completely forgotten about. In a way, everyone who has a large enough digital footprint will forever live on, online. 

Communicating Your Wishes

The internet enables easy access to information about death, dying, grief, and bereavement. People can research and educate themselves about end-of-life topics, including funeral planning, estate administration, grief support, and coping strategies.

Online platforms and communities provide spaces for individuals to connect with others who are experiencing similar end-of-life situations. Support groups, forums, and online resources offer emotional support, information, and guidance to individuals and their families facing end-of-life issues.

Everyone will communicate their wishes before and after a loved one’s death, but ensuring yours are met is the most important thing. Communicate your wishes clearly and ensure you avoid being cryptic when doing so.

For each digital asset, decide what you want to happen to it after your death. Would you like your social media profiles to be memorialised or deleted? Should someone continue to manage a website or blog you run? What should happen to your digital photos or videos?

Ensuring Security and Privacy

The internet raises privacy and security concerns about digital assets and online accounts after death. People need to consider how to secure and manage their digital presence, including setting preferences for account deletion, managing passwords, and designating digital executors, as we’ve already touched on.

For each digital asset, record how it can be accessed. This might include usernames, passwords, and any two-factor authentication details. Consider using a password manager to securely store this information, which can then be accessed by executors or family members with one master password.

Remember, the goal of digital end-of-life planning is to ensure your digital legacy is handled according to your wishes and to make the process as straightforward as possible for those you leave behind.