Our lives are becoming increasingly digital. From online bank accounts and photos to social media and digital currencies, much of what we value now exists online rather than on paper.
Yet, many people still forget to include these digital assets when writing their will. Without clear instructions, your loved ones could lose access to treasured memories or valuable accounts.
At Coastal Legacy, we help clients across Hampshire, Fareham, Gosport, and Portsmouth ensure every part of their estate — physical or digital — is protected for the future.
Here’s how to make sure your digital world is part of your legacy.
What Are Digital Assets?
Digital assets cover a wide range of items stored online or on electronic devices. These can include:
- Online bank or investment accounts
- PayPal or cryptocurrency wallets
- Email and social media accounts
- Digital photos, videos, and music
- Online subscriptions or memberships
- Business websites or domain names
Some of these have financial value, while others hold deep sentimental worth. Both deserve to be properly managed after your death.
Why You Need to Plan for Digital Assets
Without a plan, your loved ones might face challenges such as:
- Being unable to access important accounts or photographs
- Losing online income or investments
- Data being deleted due to inactivity
- Privacy laws preventing access to your information
Including these assets in your will ensures your executors know what exists, where to find it, and how you’d like it handled.
How to Add Digital Assets to Your Will
1. Make a Digital Inventory
Start by creating a list of your online accounts and assets. Include:
- Account names or platforms (e.g. Facebook, PayPal, Coinbase)
- The purpose of each account (personal, business, financial)
- How it should be handled — e.g. deleted, transferred, or memorialised
For security, never include passwords directly in your will. Instead, store them securely and share access instructions with your executor.
2. Appoint a Digital Executor
A digital executor is someone you trust to manage your online accounts after your death. They might close, transfer, or archive them according to your wishes.
This person can be the same as your main executor or a separate individual with relevant knowledge.
3. Be Clear in Your Will
Your will should refer to your digital assets generally — stating that they are part of your estate and giving your executor authority to deal with them.
Professional will writers, like those at Coastal Legacy, can ensure this section is worded correctly and legally sound.
Examples of Digital Legacy Decisions
Here are a few examples of how people in Hampshire choose to handle their digital assets:
- Passing treasured family photos to children or grandchildren
- Transferring a small business website to a co-owner or family member
- Donating cryptocurrency or online funds to charity
- Requesting social media accounts be memorialised or closed
Every choice is personal — the key is making sure it’s written down and legally recognised.
Protecting Every Part of Your Legacy
Your will is more than a legal document — it’s a reflection of your life. Today, that life often extends well beyond the physical world.
By including your digital assets, you’re ensuring that nothing important is lost, and that your online life is treated with the same care as everything else you leave behind.
Let Coastal Legacy Help
Our professional will writing service covers every detail, from family heirlooms to digital files. We make sure your wishes are protected clearly and securely.
👉 Contact Coastal Legacy today to start your will and include your digital legacy with confidence.