What happens to your digital life when you’re no longer able to manage it? It’s a question most people don’t think to ask, until it’s too late. From your email and online banking to social media, cloud photo storage, and even the logins that run your small business, your digital presence is real, and growing by the day. But unless you take steps to plan ahead, those accounts may become inaccessible, or worse, vulnerable, if something happens to you.
At VanderVeen Elder and Special Needs Law, we often guide families through the process of sorting out a loved one’s estate. And more often than not, the digital side is the piece that causes confusion, stress, and preventable delays. The good news? Planning for your digital assets can be simple, and incredibly empowering. As an experienced elder law and estate planning attorney serving Indiana and Michigan, Jennifer VanderVeen helps clients put protections in place that reflect both modern needs and timeless values.
Your digital assets may include online bank and investment accounts, mobile payment apps like PayPal or Venmo, digital photo libraries, cryptocurrency wallets, subscription services, email accounts, and so much more. In many cases, access to these accounts is protected by terms of service that prohibit anyone else from logging in, even with your password. Without a proper plan, your loved ones may face legal roadblocks in trying to handle even simple tasks like closing accounts or recovering sentimental photos.
That’s where proper estate planning comes in. You can authorize a trusted individual to manage your digital affairs by clearly outlining your wishes in your will or trust. You can also include digital access in your durable power of attorney and healthcare documents, which gives your agent authority to act on your behalf in the event of incapacity. It’s not just about logistics—it’s about protecting your privacy, easing the burden on your family, and ensuring that nothing important slips through the cracks.
If it’s been more than a few years since you reviewed your estate plan, or if you’ve never included digital assets in your planning, it’s time for a refresh. Your online life isn’t going away; if anything, it’s becoming more intertwined with everything else you value. Jennifer VanderVeen and her team can help you take this often-overlooked step with confidence, care, and clarity.
Your future isn’t just on paper anymore. Let’s make sure it’s protected, wherever it lives.
