People are gradually beginning to understand that they need to ensure that there is a way for family members to access digital accounts after the owner passes away, at least so far as the biggest accounts are concerned, such as bank and social media accounts. However, it is often equally important to make sure that people can access smaller digital accounts that might be forgotten.
All sorts of digital accounts now require passwords. Why? To prevent fraud or theft.
This includes accounts we would not have considered as important even a decade ago.
For example, if you open a line of credit with a furniture store, you might be required to produce a password either online or by phone to do something as simple as check the account balance or the next payment due date. If there is still a balance due on the account, then it is important that your executor or estate administrator have that password so he or she can pay the appropriate amount.
If you think that these smaller accounts do not matter, you might be surprised to know that something as simple as scheduling cable repairs can be difficult without the password.
That was the case for a WGN reporter after her husband died of cancer. Her experience is recounted in a recent WGN article titled “Preparing for the digital afterlife.”
Unfortunately, her husband was the only person who knew the password and the reporter was therefore unable to request any changes or repairs to the cable account.
When preparing your estate plan remember every account you have.
Even if you think it is too small to bother with in an estate plan, someone will need to have access to it if you pass away.
Please contact our office today at 239-225-7911 to schedule an appointment with Barbara M. Pizzolato if you are interested in protecting your legacy and need to create or update your estate plan. You may also wish to attend one of our free seminars.
Reference: WGN (May 18, 2015) “Preparing for the digital afterlife.”
