From Pixels to Peace of Mind: A Guide to Digital Estate Planning in Florida

By: Anthony Cetrangelo, Jr., Esq.

In the era of smartphones, social media, and cryptocurrencies, our lives are becoming increasingly digital; however what happens when we’re no longer physically here? This is where digital estate planning comes into play, ensuring that your digital footprint is handled as thoughtfully as your physical possessions. In this modern age, let’s dive into what digital estate planning is and what should be addressed.

Understanding Digital Estate Planning

Digital estate planning involves organizing and managing your digital assets, as well as specifying how you want them handled after your demise. It’s a way to safeguard your online presence and make it easier for your loved ones to navigate the digital matrix in your absence.

Digital Estate Plan List

• Start by making a list of all your digital assets, including email accounts, social media profiles, online subscriptions, and any websites or blogs you own. Remember to include financial assets like cryptocurrency, online bank accounts, and investment platforms.
• Ensure your Personal Representative, Trustee or chosen digital fiduciary will have access to your accounts and passwords. You can use a password manager like LastPass or Dashlane to store and share login credentials with your chosen fiduciary. Consider two-factor authentication (2FA) and ensure that your digital fiduciary can access your 2FA codes (often generated by apps like Google Authenticator or sent via SMS).
• Clearly outline what you want to happen to your digital assets, for example:
  • Social Media Accounts. Indicate what you want to happen to your social media accounts. Some platforms offer memorialization options, which freeze the account in its current state as a tribute. Others allow for account deletion.
  • Emails. Specify whether you want your emails deleted or archived. Your digital executor should notify important contacts or deal with financial matters through email. 
• Ensure that important documents, photos, and other data are backed up in a secure location that your digital fiduciary can access.

Bottom Line

By taking these detailed steps in your digital estate planning, you’ll safeguard your online presence and provide clear guidance to your digital fiduciary. This thoughtful approach ensures that your digital assets and accounts are managed according to your wishes, reduces the burden on your loved ones during a difficult time, and helps you leave a meaningful digital legacy.

Remember to periodically review and update your digital estate plan to stay current with your online activities and evolving technologies. Those needing assistance with their digital estate plan may contact me at anthony.cetrangelo@henlaw.com.