The Uniform Law Commission has come up with a new proposal to allow the heirs of recently deceased people access to digital accounts of the deceased. However, many technology companies are not in favor of the idea.
What happens to digital accounts after someone passes away? This has become a hot button issue in estate planning and technology law. Currently, most states do not have laws that would grant executors or others access to digital accounts. This means that access is determined by the terms and conditions and privacy policies of the technology companies that operate the websites the accounts are on. This has caused headaches for many families attempting to wrap up a loved one’s digital affairs.
The Uniform Law Commission has come up with a plan called the Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act that, if adopted by the states, would end this problem. However as National Public Radiopoints out, in “A Plan To Untangle Our Digital Lives After We’re Gone,” the idea is not popular with all technology companies. The Commission states that its proposal would give an executor access to accounts in the same way that a family has access to real world items, such as photographs and letters. However, technology companies say the proposal could create privacy concerns for third parties as their communications with the deceased would be accessible.
It is clear that something needs to be done about the problem with a deceased’s digital accounts. Some technology companies, such as Yahoo Japan, have taken steps to allow account holders to choose who has access to what after they pass away. Other companies are waiting for legal solutions. Still others are satisfied with the current landscape. Regardless what happens in the future on the legal side, how your digital accounts will be handled is something that you need to plan for on the practical side in your estate plan.
The Uniform Law Commission has come up with a new proposal to allow the heirs of recently deceased people access to digital accounts of the deceased. However, many technology companies are not in favor of the idea.
What happens to digital accounts after someone passes away? This has become a hot button issue in estate planning and technology law. Currently, most states do not have laws that would grant executors or others access to digital accounts. This means that access is determined by the terms and conditions and privacy policies of the technology companies that operate the websites the accounts are on. This has caused headaches for many families attempting to wrap up a loved one's digital affairs.
The Uniform Law Commission has come up with a plan called the Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act that, if adopted by the states, would end this problem. However as National Public Radiopoints out, in “A Plan To Untangle Our Digital Lives After We're Gone,” the idea is not popular with all technology companies. The Commission states that its proposal would give an executor access to accounts in the same way that a family has access to real world items, such as photographs and letters. However, technology companies say the proposal could create privacy concerns for third parties as their communications with the deceased would be accessible.
It is clear that something needs to be done about the problem with a deceased's digital accounts. Some technology companies, such as Yahoo Japan, have taken steps to allow account holders to choose who has access to what after they pass away. Other companies are waiting for legal solutions. Still others are satisfied with the current landscape. Regardless what happens in the future on the legal side, how your digital accounts will be handled is something that you need to plan for on the practical side in your estate plan.
One of the main goals of our law practice is to help families like yours plan for the safe, successful transfer of wealth to the next generation. Call our office today to schedule a time for us to sit down and talk about your estate plan, where we can identify the best strategies for you and your family to ensure your legacy of love and financial security. Our office is located in Santa Ana, CA but we serve all of California including Irvine, Orange, Tustin, Newport Beach, and Anaheim.
For more information and articles on estate planning, probate, and trust law, please visit our website and request our free monthly e-newsletter
Reference: National Public Radio - NPR (July 23, 2014) “A Plan To Untangle Our Digital Lives After We're Gone”
Click here to view original web page at What Happens to Your Digital Assets at Death?
