Can my social media accounts be included in my Will?

We live in a world of digital content and social media for many people is an important aspect of their lives. Therefore, it’s important to understand your options about those social media accounts when you die and who will manage the content within them – can they be included in your Will?  Yes they can!

Making sure you have a plan can prevent identity theft and people gaining access to your private messages/photos. Your Will can include details of what you want to happen your social media accounts in the event of your death and the person responsible for managing these accounts by default will be your Executor. However some platforms, such as Facebook, have options for you to designate a legacy contact who would manage the account in the event of your death.  Within your Will you could state whether you want such accounts to remain active, for them to be deleted or them to  be memorialised.

Google have an inactive account manager whereby you can add a trusted contact to shut down your account following your death.  Security and privacy is set at such high levels you should consider storing safely access details for your Executor to assist them following your death – if you plan to hold these details electronically then you need to choose a suitable platform which will appropriately protect this sensitive information.  Alternatively, you may choose to place these details sealed with your Will and secured in a safe – we offer free storage within our secure safe at our Richmond office.

In a world of passwords, usernames, and digital footprints, where data is King considering your social media accounts following your death is arguably as important as considering your funeral wishes. and we are happy to assist and advise you on these important decisions.