In this day and age, your legacy isn’t just what you leave behind in the physical sense anymore, it’s also in the cloud, on your phone, and across dozens of online platforms. According to this Forbes article, a recent survey from Bryn Mawr Trust revealed a startling disconnect: while the average American estimates their digital assets are worth nearly $200,000, less than 15 percent have an estate plan that includes them.

Digital assets aren’t limited to cryptocurrency. They include everything from online bank accounts and email to family photos stored in the cloud, loyalty points, digital business records, and even your social media. If something happened to you tomorrow, would your loved ones be able to access these things?

For many, the answer is no. Not because of complicated technology, but simply because they’ve never thought about it. In fact, nearly half of survey respondents had never even heard of digital estate planning. This oversight can cause everything from emotional loss to halted business operations and inaccessible funds.

Thankfully, there are steps you can take today to avoid any complications in the future:

• Make a list of your key digital accounts and decide what you want preserved or deleted.

• Work with an estate planning attorney to include digital asset provisions in your will or trust.

• Take advantage of tools like Google’s Inactive Account Manager or Facebook’s Legacy Contact.

While often overlooked, digital assets are an increasingly vital part of your estate.

Need help making sure your digital legacy is protected? Rhodes Law Firm can walk you through the process. Contact us today to get started!