Digital Assets in Estate Planning

Preserving Your Digital Legacy

Integrating Digital Assets into Your Estate Plan

In today's digital age, our lives are intricately woven into the fabric of the internet. From financial transactions to personal communications, we conduct a significant portion of our lives online. However, amidst the convenience of digital living lies a critical aspect often overlooked in traditional estate planning: the management and distribution of digital assets.

Defining Digital Assets

Digital assets encompass a broad spectrum of online content and accounts that hold both sentimental and financial value. These may include:

Financial accounts
Social media profiles
Online businesses
Domain names
Cloud-based storage
Email and text message archives
Websites and blogs

Understanding Legal Frameworks

Navigating the legal landscape governing digital assets requires a nuanced approach. In Minnesota, the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA) governs fiduciary access to digital assets post-mortem. While RUFADAA grants fiduciaries access to most digital assets, explicit authorization may be necessary for certain electronic communications, such as emails and private chats.

Practical Steps for Estate Planning

To ensure a seamless transition of your digital legacy, consider implementing the following strategies:

Explicit Authorization: Incorporate language into your estate plan granting your chosen fiduciary explicit authority to access and manage your digital assets. Select an individual who is both technologically adept and capable of collaborating effectively with other estate representatives.
Documentation: Compile a comprehensive inventory of your digital accounts, including login credentials and relevant instructions. Regularly update this document and store it securely, granting access to your designated representative when needed.
Proactive Measures: Leverage available tools and features offered by online platforms to facilitate posthumous access to your accounts. Utilize services like Google's Inactive Account Manager and Facebook's Legacy Contact to designate individuals empowered to manage your online presence in your absence.

By proactively addressing the inclusion of digital assets in your estate plan, you can mitigate potential complications and ensure the preservation of your online legacy for future generations.

Consult with Our Estate Planning Attorneys

At Guttman Law, we focus in comprehensive estate planning tailored to your unique circumstances. Contact us at (612) 324-4055 to schedule a consultation and embark on the journey of integrating your digital assets into your estate plan. Let us guide you through the complexities of digital asset estate planning, empowering you to leave a lasting imprint on those who matter most

Continue Reading Read Less

Why Choose Guttman Law, PLLC?

Highly Personalized Approach

We take the time to understand the complexities of your situation and develop an individualized approach.
Our Goal Is To Educate Clients
We seek to not only provide a service to our clients but to educate them every step of the way.
We Help Clients Navigate Every Step of the Process

We are here to support our clients throughout their estate planning journey.

Our FAQ

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 612-324-4055 today!

Has your attorney passed away or retired?

Review advice from estate planning attorneys Matt Guttman and Jamie Reff-Wagner on what to do next: What to Do When Your Attorney Retires - Guttman Law PLLC
Do you need assistance with your estate plan drafted by another attorney or law firm?

Attorney Matt Guttman has administered and updated hundreds of estate plans prepared by the Molever Law Firm and other law firms. Matt is happy to offer a complimentary consultation to review your current estate plan and discuss possible changes to your plan. Matt is also available to assist with the administration of an estate plan (wills or living trusts) prepared by another law firm after the passing of the person who created the estate plan (the Grantor, Trustor or decedent).
You can click here to schedule a complimentary consultation with attorney Matt Guttman to discuss your estate plan.

View All FAQ

Visit our Blog to learn more

Want all the latest news or updates? Browse through our blog to read our most recent posts and featured articles.

Visit Our Blog

Call Us Today!

We're Excited To Meet You

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How did you hear about our firm?
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
🛡️ Please enter the above verification code:
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Guttman Law, PLLC at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Client Testimonials

Hear From Our Past Clients

“Kind, smart and knowledgeable”
We wanted to update our will and put our assets in a trust. We reached out but were ignored by a couple other agencies. I heard great comments about the Guttman Firm through friends and on WCCO radio. Jamie took the time to squeeze us into a last minute zoom call. Right from the start I knew this was someone I wanted and would trust to help us. She explained everything in terms we could understand. She was very kind, smart and knowledgeable. By the end of the call I was a Guttman client. We met several days later at the office and Jamie and her staff spent two hours going over our new trust, will, power of attorney and health directive etc. We also own property in Fl. Jamie reached out to a cohort there and made sure all our documents were in order and correct. Throughout this short period, Jamie was reaching out asking us pertinent questions. She was very through! I left the Guttman office afterwards feeling a huge burden was lifted off my shoulders. Our estate is now in order and that is a great feeling. Thank you so much Jamie!!

- Nancy V.

View More Reviews