In the digital age, our lives are deeply tied to online assets—social media, emails, cryptocurrencies, cloud storage, and more. A Digital Will System ensures your digital legacy is properly handled, granting trusted individuals access to manage, close, or preserve your digital life after death.
Creating a digital will isn’t just for tech-savvy people or the wealthy. It’s a crucial step for data privacy, security, and peace of mind.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Understand What a Digital Will Covers
A digital will deals with non-tangible assets such as:
- 📧 Email accounts (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo)
- 📱 Social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- 💰 Online banking & investment accounts
- 🪙 Cryptocurrency wallets (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
- ☁️ Cloud storage files (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud)
- 🛒 Online subscriptions (Netflix, Amazon, Spotify)
- 💻 Digital devices (laptops, smartphones)
- 🎮 Gaming accounts (Steam, PSN, Xbox Live)
Your traditional will may not cover these assets effectively—hence the need for a digital-specific solution.
Step 2: List All Your Digital Assets
Create a master list of all digital assets, logins, and passwords (use a password manager if needed). Categorize them:
Example Table:
| Category | Account | Purpose | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gmail | Personal communication | Active | 2FA enabled | |
| Crypto | Binance | Investment | Active | Store key securely |
| Cloud | Dropbox | Personal documents | Active | Share folder link |
💡 Tip: Be thorough. Include recovery emails, 2FA methods, and any special instructions.
Step 3: Choose a Secure Storage Method
Do not include passwords directly in your will. Instead, store sensitive info in a secure way:
Popular options:
- Password managers (e.g., LastPass, 1Password)
- Encrypted USB drive
- Secure cloud vaults (e.g., Google Inactive Account Manager, Microsoft legacy tools)
- Blockchain-based solutions (for crypto assets)
🔐 Share access instructions (not passwords) in your will, or via trusted services like Dead Man’s Switch or digital inheritance platforms.
Step 4: Appoint a Digital Executor
A digital executor is someone you trust to manage your digital life after death. This could be:
- A family member
- A trusted friend
- A legal or estate professional
✔️ Responsibilities may include:
- Deleting or memorializing social accounts
- Withdrawing or transferring digital assets
- Managing email closure
- Protecting sensitive data from identity theft
👨⚖️ Include their name and responsibilities in your legal will and digital instruction letter.
Step 5: Write a Legal Digital Will Document
In most countries, digital wills are not standalone legal documents. You must include them in your official estate plan. Work with an estate attorney to:
- Reference the digital will in your primary will.
- Clearly state the identity of your digital executor.
- Explain your preferences for each digital asset.
- Ensure compliance with laws like the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA) in the U.S.
💼 Legal tools like Trust & Will, Everplans, or Farewill can help streamline this.
Step 6: Test and Update Regularly
Make sure your digital will works as expected:
- ✅ Test your password manager or encrypted storage.
- ✅ Ensure your digital executor knows what to do.
- ✅ Update the document every 6–12 months or after major life events.
🆕 Update passwords, add/remove assets, or revise executor details as needed.
Step 7: Use a Digital Will Management System
Consider using specialized digital will platforms to automate and secure this process:
Top Digital Will Systems (2025):
| Platform | Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Everplans | End-of-life planning, file vault | From $75/year |
| GoodTrust | Social media memorialization | From $39/year |
| MyWishes | Free digital legacy planner | Free |
| Trust & Will | Legal will + digital guidance | From $159 one-time |
🔄 These tools often include reminders, file storage, and post-death automation.
Step 8: Inform Loved Ones
Tell your spouse, family, or legal guardian about your digital will. Give them clear guidance, including:
- Where your encrypted digital file is stored
- How to access your password manager (if applicable)
- Whom to contact (lawyer, digital executor)
📣 Communication reduces confusion and avoids digital asset loss or disputes.
Conclusion: Secure Your Digital Future Today
Creating a Digital Will and Testament System is no longer optional—it’s essential in our hyper-connected world.
By following these 8 simple steps:
- You protect your online identity
- You ease the burden on your loved ones
- You ensure your digital legacy is respected