Digital Estate Planning Checklist

This task is the starting point for your digital estate planning. It involves identifying all the digital assets you own, including but not limited to: files and documents stored on your devices, online accounts, and any other digital content or property that has value. Knowing what digital assets you have is essential for creating a comprehensive plan for their management and disposition in the future. To complete this task, think about all the digital assets you currently have and make a list. Consider files stored on your computer or other devices, online accounts such as email or social media, digital collections, e-commerce accounts, virtual property, blogs or websites you own, online backup services, and any other digital asset you may have. Make sure to document all the assets you identify.

In this task, you will list all the social media accounts you own. Social media has become an integral part of many people's lives, and your accounts may contain valuable memories, personal information, or even financial assets. By identifying and documenting your social media accounts, you can ensure that they are managed or disposed of according to your wishes in the future. To complete this task, make a list of all the social media platforms you use and the corresponding usernames or handles. Include popular platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and any other social media accounts you may have. Make sure to document the platform name and username for each account.

In this task, you will document all the email accounts you own. Email accounts often contain important personal or financial information, and it is crucial to include them in your digital estate planning. By documenting your email accounts, you can ensure that they are accessed or managed as per your wishes in the future. To complete this task, make a list of all the email accounts you currently own and use. Include both personal and professional accounts, such as Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Outlook, or any other email service you may use. For each account, document the email service provider and the email address.

This task involves listing all your online bank and brokerage accounts. Online bank and brokerage accounts often hold financial assets that need to be managed or transferred after your passing. By documenting these accounts, you can ensure that your financial affairs are handled according to your wishes and avoid any complications or unauthorized access in the future. To complete this task, make a list of all your online bank and brokerage accounts. Include the institution's name, the type of account, and any relevant account numbers or identifying information. If you have multiple accounts with the same institution, specify the different types (e.g., savings, checking, investment) and their respective account numbers.

In this task, you will record all your digital collections, such as e-books, music, and movies. Digital collections often have sentimental or financial value and should be included in your digital estate planning. By documenting your digital collections, you can ensure that they are preserved, managed, or transferred according to your wishes in the future. To complete this task, make a list of all your digital collections. Include e-books, music albums, movies, or any other digital media you own. Specify the title, format, and any important information or metadata for each item. If you have collections in different formats, such as MP3 music files and Kindle e-books, categorize them accordingly.

This task involves listing all your e-commerce accounts, such as PayPal, Amazon, eBay, or any other online shopping platforms you use. E-commerce accounts often hold financial or personal information that needs to be managed or transferred after your passing. By documenting these accounts, you can ensure that your online shopping history, payment methods, and preferences are taken care of according to your wishes in the future. To complete this task, make a list of all the e-commerce accounts you currently use. Include platforms like PayPal, Amazon, eBay, or any other online shopping platforms you may have accounts with. Specify the platform name and any relevant account information or settings you want to document.

In this task, you will document any virtual property you own. Virtual property refers to assets or items of value that exist in virtual worlds or online games. Examples include virtual currency, virtual real estate, or unique in-game items with monetary or sentimental value. By documenting your virtual property, you can ensure that it is managed, transferred, or disposed of as per your wishes in the future. To complete this task, make a list of any virtual property you own. Include the name of the game or virtual world where the property exists, a description of the property, and any relevant information or details. If applicable, specify the monetary or sentimental value of the property.

In this task, you will list out all the blogs or websites you currently own. Blogs or websites you own often have valuable content or intellectual property that needs to be managed or transferred after your passing. By documenting your blogs or websites, you can ensure that they are taken care of according to your wishes in the future. To complete this task, make a list of all the blogs or websites you own. Include their names, URLs, and any relevant information or details you want to document. Additionally, consider including information about hosting providers, domain registrars, or any other services associated with your blogs or websites.

In this task, you will identify all the online backup services you use. Online backup services are used to store copies of your important files and documents in the cloud, providing an extra layer of protection and accessibility. By documenting the online backup services you use, you can ensure that your backups are accessed or transferred according to your wishes in the future. To complete this task, make a list of all the online backup services you currently use. Include their names, the type of backup service, and any relevant account information or details. If you use multiple online backup services, specify the different services and their respective account information.

In this task, you will record any other digital assets that were missed in earlier tasks. It is important to capture all your digital assets to ensure comprehensive digital estate planning. By documenting any other digital assets you may have, you can ensure that they are managed or disposed of according to your wishes in the future. To complete this task, review the documentation from earlier tasks and identify any additional digital assets that were missed. This may include files, accounts, collections, or any other digital assets you own. Make sure to document the details of each asset and any relevant information or instructions.

In this task, you will designate an online executor for your digital estate. An online executor is a person you trust to handle the management or disposition of your digital assets after your passing. By designating an online executor, you can ensure that your digital assets are handled according to your wishes, and your online accounts and files are managed or closed as per your instructions. To complete this task, think about who you would like to designate as your online executor. This person should be reliable, trustworthy, and familiar with your digital assets and online accounts. Once you have decided on an online executor, make sure to document their name, contact information, and any relevant details or instructions for their role.

In this task, you will prepare instructions for your online executor. These instructions will guide your online executor on how to manage or dispose of your digital assets after your passing. By providing clear instructions, you can ensure that your online executor understands your wishes and carries out their role effectively. To complete this task, prepare a set of instructions for your online executor. Consider including information on accessing your digital accounts, managing your digital files, closing or transferring online accounts, and any other specific instructions or preferences you have. Make sure to provide detailed and clear instructions to avoid any confusion or difficulties for your online executor.

In this task, you will document your desired disposition for each digital asset. Desired disposition refers to how you want each digital asset to be managed, transferred, or disposed of after your passing. By documenting your desired disposition for each digital asset, you can ensure that your wishes are known and followed in the future. To complete this task, review the list of digital assets you have documented and decide on the desired disposition for each asset. This may include instructions for transferring ownership, deleting files, closing accounts, preserving or archiving digital content, or any other specific instructions you have. Make sure to document the details of each asset and its desired disposition.

In this task, you will establish a secure location to keep all the documented information related to your digital estate planning. Keeping the information in a secure and easily accessible location ensures that your online executor and other relevant parties can access it when needed. To complete this task, identify a secure location to store your digital estate planning documents. This may include a physical safe, a password-protected digital storage solution, or any other secure method that you trust. Make sure to document the location and any necessary access instructions or security measures.

In this task, you will establish a regular update schedule for your digital assets list. Regularly updating your digital assets list ensures that it remains accurate and up to date, reflecting any changes or additions to your digital assets over time. To complete this task, determine a frequency for updating your digital assets list. This may be annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or any other schedule that works for you. Consider setting reminders or notifications to prompt you to review and update your digital assets list regularly. Make sure to document the update schedule and any related reminders or notifications you plan to use.

In this task, you will inform your designated online executor about their role and show them where the digital estate planning documents are kept. It is important to communicate effectively with your online executor to ensure they understand their responsibilities and can easily access the necessary information when needed. To complete this task, schedule a meeting or discussion with your designated online executor. Clearly explain their role and responsibilities in managing or disposing of your digital assets. Show them the secure location where the digital estate planning documents are kept and provide any necessary instructions or access details. Make sure to answer any questions they may have and maintain open communication throughout the process.

In this task, you will consult a legal professional to ensure that your digital estate planning documents are legally sound and aligned with applicable laws and regulations. Consulting a legal professional can provide you with expert advice and guidance on protecting your digital assets and ensuring that your wishes are legally enforceable. To complete this task, research and identify a qualified legal professional who specializes in estate planning and digital assets. Schedule a consultation or appointment to discuss your digital estate planning documents and seek their advice and expertise. Make sure to prepare any relevant documents or information for the consultation and take notes during the discussion to capture important recommendations or actions.