In her latest article, what with the ongoing advancement of technology, Laura Richardson explains why it may be important to look to collate a digital legacy in Heybridge . . .

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Traditionally a legacy is defined as an amount of money, property or other belongings passed down within a valid Will. However, with the rise of online-only bank accounts, and social media platforms, many of us have unwittingly created a so-called “digital legacy”.  In the last few years it has become apparent that “digital legacies” are being overlooked in traditional Wills, with the Law Society urging people to consider their online accounts when collating a list of assets. Andrew Douglas Wills and Legal Services have compiled a list of some of the types of online account that may constitute part of your digital legacy in Heybridge and throughout Essex.

  • Online bank accounts. Whilst it is never advisable to record access details for online bank accounts, by providing the names of the online banks and type of accounts held, your Executors will be able to include any cash sums held in these accounts within your Estate.
  • EBay, Paypal, online gaming and Bingo accounts. All of these types of account have the facilities to virtually store cash. Again, it is important to list any of these types of accounts that you are signed up to.
  • Crypto-currencies. You should not disclose access details, but by recording the type of currency that you own, this will aid your Executors to include any crypto-currency within your Estate.
  • Reward points and Air Miles. The majority of these accounts are managed online and again, by providing details of which stores you collect reward points with, your Executors should be able to locate these accounts.
  • Social media sites are full of photographs which are likely to have great sentimental value to the family and friends of someone who dies. In order to make sure that your loved ones are able to access your social media accounts, you are advised to follow the procedures laid down by each individual site. However it is useful to list out any social media sites that you hold accounts with, along with any pertinent data such as your user name for each particular platform.

Digital assets such as films and music. These should also be listed along with storage details, particularly is they are stored remotely, in order to give your Executors the best chance at including these within your Will.

Contact us today at Andrew Douglas Wills and Legal Services via www.andrewdouglaswills.co.uk to arrange a free initial consultation to discuss your needs related to the protection of a digital legacy in Heybridge and throughout the surrounding areas of Essex. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————

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