INTRODUCTION

Protecting your digital assets isn’t talk about by most attorneys. However, it should be!  In some cases your digital assets are of extreme value; either monetarily or for sentimental reasons. Make sure your estate planning attorney discusses this with you!

THE PROBLEM

The most common problems with digital assets is ACCESS. You are alive and incapacitated or you are deceased.  How does your family, loved ones, or trusted professional get access to these digital assets?

WHAT ARE DIGITAL ASSETS

What exactly are “digital assets?”  Does this include computers, tables, and smartphones?  Yes, probably. What about access to Facebook, Youtube, and other social networking sites? Yes, I would say so.  How about domain names and blogs owned by the decedent? Yes, I think so.  How about frequent flyer accounts?  Yes, maybe those too!  Plus, so much more!  Digital assets are the future and that future is just being defined right now! The definition will change but the problem is there and it needs to be addressed!

THE SOLUTION

Proper estate planning is the solution!  Your power of attorney, will, trust and general transfer should all make reference to your digital assets. Plus, maybe you should get on-line vault such as assetlock.net or docubank.com. If nothing else tell your trusted person, or people, about where they can get access to your digital afterlife!

CONCLUSION

Your estate planning attorney should talk to you about your digital assets. If not, ask them why!