A "digital executor" is a person or company designated by you to carry out your digital wishes and manage your online presence after your passing. They are entrusted with the responsibility of executing the instructions and preferences you've specified regarding your Digital Assets.
The role of a digital executor typically involves tasks such as:
- Managing and Closing Accounts: You can assign your digital executor to Close, Delete, Eternalize, or Memorialize all your online accounts and services, such as social media accounts, email, airline rewards, file storage, and other digital assets.
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Preserving Digital Content: You can ask your digital executor to preserve digital content like photos, videos, and documents that hold sentimental or personal value. They can transfer this content to your beneficiaries, or to an online memorial in your honor.
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Handling Advanced Digital Assets: Some digital assets like cryptocurrency, domain names, Internet systems, and even eBay and Etsy stores, can have complicated procedures requiring Internet expertise. A digital executor can manage these per your wishes, which often saves your family or estate significant time, money and stress.
- Ensuring Digital Privacy: By making sure all of your accounts are closed or properly transferred, your digital executor helps to protect your digital privacy and minimizes the potential for abuse of your identity after you pass away.
Designating a digital executor is an important part of estate planning and managing your digital legacy in the way you desire when you are no longer able to do so. It's crucial to choose someone you trust and who is an expert with all online and digital platforms.
Most jurisdictions do not yet support directly appointing Digital Executors. In this case, subscribing to our Digital Executor Support service ensures your fiduciaries will have adequate digital asset support, when the time comes.
Disclaimer: The concept of a digital executor is currently recognized only under California law (Cal. Probate Code § 873). Laws governing digital estate planning vary by jurisdiction, and most states do not yet provide a legal framework for appointing a digital executor. This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are considering incorporating digital estate planning into your will or trust, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney to understand how digital assets can be handled in your state.
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