In the digital age, most of what we own of value is online. As with any valuable asset, it's essential to think about how to pass it on. In this article we provide practical advice and key steps to ensure a smooth transition of your digital assets to your loved ones. Stay well until the end, as we present a simple and highly secure solution.
Understand ones digital heritage
Before getting started, it's important to understand what a digital asset is and why it should be considered. A digital asset includes all the information and data you create, store or manage online. This may include :
- Social media accounts
- Online photos and videos
- E-mail and contacts
- Digital documents (e-book, articles, etc)
- Online banking and finance
- Intellectual property (patents, trademarks, etc.)
- Domains & Websites
- Crypto-assets (cryptocurrencies, NFT…)
They all have value, and can form an important part of your legacy. It's essential to take steps to protect and pass on these digital assets appropriately.
Create a digital asset inventory
The first step in passing on your digital heritage is to create an inventory of your digital assets. This can be done using a spreadsheet or dedicated software, and should include:
- Account / service name
- URL / access link
- User name & password
- Estimated value (if any)
- Specific instructions for managing the account (e.g. deleting the account, transferring funds, etc.).
This inventory should be updated regularly to reflect any changes in your digital assets.
Désigner une personne de confiance
Once you've drawn up an inventory of your digital assets, it's important to designate a trusted person who will be responsible for managing and passing on your digital heritage after your death. This person can be a family member, a close friend or a professional such as a notary or an estate lawyer.
Mandate for future protection
An effective way of appointing a trusted third party is to draw up a mandate for future protection. This legal document gives a chosen person the power to act on your behalf with regard to the management of your digital assets. The mandate for future protection can be drawn up by a lawyer or a notary, and must specify the powers granted to the trusted person, as well as the conditions under which these powers may be exercised.
Including digital assets in your will
Another crucial step in ensuring the proper transmission of your digital assets is to include them in your will. It's important to make it clear which digital assets are to be passed on, and to whom. To avoid any misunderstandings or disputes, it's best to provide detailed instructions on how each element of your digital estate is to be managed after your death.
Example of a specific clause for digital assets
Here is an example of a specific clause you could include in your will concerning your digital assets:
"I give [name of trusted person] the right to access, control, modify, delete, transfer, retrieve and dispose of all my online accounts, including social networks, email addresses, online storage services, websites and domains, and all associated data, information and files, in accordance with the instructions recorded in my digital asset inventory."
Ensuring the confidentiality and security of your information
When preparing to pass on your digital assets, it's essential to take steps to protect the confidentiality and security of your information. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:
- Don't share passwords or other sensitive information directly in your will, as this document becomes a public record after your death. Instead, use a separate, secure digital asset inventory.
- Use tools such as password managers to protect your login information.
- Inform the designated trusted person of the location of your digital asset inventory and how to access it.
- Keep your digital asset inventory up to date and store it in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box, with a lawyer or in a secure online storage service.
Secure online storage
Where there's a need, there's a company to meet it. Some companies have specialized in the digital asset transfer sector. Such is the case with Legapass, which offers an ultra-secure storage solution, right up to the return of assets with a bailiff, and all for 0€/month.
By following these steps and working with competent professionals, you can ensure a smooth and successful transfer of your digital assets to your loved ones, and avoid many potential problems in the process.
