Most young adults in the U.S. go online daily. They are statistically likely to store intellectual property in the Cloud, engage with others on social media, send email and manage their finances online. Many young adults have never even owned a physical checkbook. And yet, the vast majority of them do not have a digital estate plan in place designed to take effect should they die or become severely ill or injured.
A digital estate plan outlines what should happen to an individual’s digital assets and online accounts in the event of their death or incapacity. If you are a young adult, you should know that making this effort now can help to ensure that your digital life is managed according to your wishes in the event that you can no longer address your digital footprint on your own behalf.
Digital assets don’t manage themselves
Young adults often maintain a variety of digital assets as their digital footprint evolves. Without a digital estate plan, managing these assets can be difficult for loved ones. For example, if you pass away unexpectedly, your family may struggle to access your photos, personal emails or online financial accounts. Conversely, they may be able to access content that you do not wish for them to see and/or do with as they see fit.
To this end, a digital estate plan can specify who should have access to these accounts and how they should be handled in the event of your death or incapacity. Making clear plans both known and legally enforceable can help you to ensure that your online presence is handled in a way that aligns with your preferences. It can also help save your loved ones from the emotional burden of making these decisions without your guidance.