Handling an estate is always a tricky situation, but one of the things people of St. Charles often need help managing is the proper procedures for digital assets. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Digital Assets?
A person’s digital assets include any resources they had online or on a computer. Those include social media accounts, any online payment accounts, and even data and files that are on a person’s laptop. The problem is, who do these files belong to? Who has a right to delete these accounts? And what should be done with these assets, if anything?
What Happens with Digital Assets in an Estate?
A St. Charles trusts & estate lawyer will advise you to do a few things with these digital assets. If you are planning your own will and want to make sure digital assets are handled correctly, you will need to leave instructions on how these files and accounts should be handled. For instance, your executor might receive a list of files to delete and accounts or memberships to cancel. Your guarantor may also delete forum posts or create comments that let others know of your passing before deleting the accounts.
The Importance of a Good Lawyer
Finding the right St. Charles trusts & estate lawyer is key, especially when you’re dealing with digital assets that could include sensitive information. An executor is a neutral person who is hired to manage your reputation and protect your estate. Managing digital assets is just one part of a larger estate management strategy, since your digital assets might hold the keys to your bank account information and other things that you don’t want anyone else to get access to. While you can use family members as executors, a St. Charles trusts & estate lawyer will have the expertise and neutrality to follow your will to the letter.
Jackson Abdalla Law Group handles all matters dealing with estate planning, real estate law, and business legal matters. They offer free consultations for estate planning issues in the St. Charles area.
