Digital Legacy: Tips on Managing Online Accounts After the Death of a Loved One

Depending on how active someone is online, managing online accounts after a death can be complicated. In today’s blog article, we would like to give you some tips on how to handle this.

Before Death

Preparation for the eventuality of someone having to manage online accounts after death is a good start. One suggestion is to talk about this your will or in an attached Memoradum with clear instructions on what you want. In this case, be sure to include what these accounts are and all the login information.

Some online entities—but not all of them--allow you to prepare for who can have access to your account in the event of your death. You can go through a series of steps and include the name and contact of someone that you would like to have access. Facebook has this option, but Instagram which is owned by Facebook does not, for example.

Practicality

No matter what you prepared for before death, if, after death, someone has access to your computer and cell phone, that person will likely be able to access your accounts easily because the login information is stored in your computer and/or your phone.

After Death

If your executor or administrator does not have access to your phone and computer, then, one by one, the online entities will have to be contacted. In order to give access, the entities will request proof of your death and also proof that the person trying to gain access has the right to do so, for example, by being an executor.

Most of us think of online presences as related to social media. However, online presence can be much wider than that. For example, if you have a website, then the executor would have to contact whoever is hosting the website in order to take it down (or not). There are also email accounts. Some sites will automatically close accounts that are inactive for a certain period of time.

Managing online accounts after death can become very complicated, so some preparations before death will make it a lot easier for your executor. 

You are welcome to call us at Only Cremations (604) 861-9895 in Vancouver, and we would be happy to talk to you about all aspects of cremation and assist you with any funeral arrangements that you may need. 

Only Cremations, based in Surrey, British Columbia, provides dignified and affordable cremation services. We believe every family deserves respect, reverence, and compassion. If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about cremation services, please call or text (604) 861-9895.