Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is digital estate planning?

Digital estate planning is the process of deciding what happens to your online accounts, digital files, cryptocurrency, AI data, and other digital assets after you pass away or become incapacitated. It extends traditional estate planning to cover the reality that modern lives have significant digital components — from banking apps to social media to crypto wallets.

Why can't my family just use my passwords after I die?

In many jurisdictions, accessing someone else's account — even a deceased family member's — without proper legal authority may violate computer fraud laws. Many platforms also explicitly prohibit password sharing in their terms of service. The right solution is password manager emergency access, in-platform legacy settings, and a digital clause in your will — not sharing passwords directly.

Does my regular will cover digital assets?

Most traditional wills written before 2020 do not adequately address digital assets. A generic "all my property" clause is typically insufficient for digital accounts. You need an explicit digital asset clause and ideally a separate Digital Asset Memorandum. See our Digital Will Guide for details.

What happens to my online accounts if I do nothing?

Different platforms handle it differently. Facebook will eventually memorialize your account if a family member reports the death. Google accounts may be deleted after 18 months of inactivity. Apple will lock your iCloud permanently without a Legacy Contact. Crypto wallets become permanently inaccessible without your seed phrase. Subscriptions keep billing until someone cancels them.

How long does digital estate planning take?

The practical steps — setting up Apple Legacy Contact, configuring Google Inactive Account Manager, setting up password manager emergency access, and writing a Letter to Family — take roughly 2–3 hours total. Our free checklist guides you through all 30 items.

Cryptocurrency Questions

Can my family access my crypto exchange account after I die?

Potentially yes for exchange-held crypto (Coinbase, Kraken, etc.) — they will need a death certificate, proof of beneficiary status, and possibly a court order. For self-custody wallets (Ledger, MetaMask, etc.), your family needs your seed phrase. Without it, the crypto is permanently inaccessible — no court order can override cryptography.

Is it safe to write down my seed phrase?

Writing your seed phrase on paper or metal is the recommended long-term storage method. The key is physical security — a fireproof safe, safety deposit box, or sealed envelope with your estate attorney — combined with clear instructions for your executor about where to find it. Never store it digitally.

What if I have crypto on multiple platforms?

Document each separately in your Digital Asset Memorandum — exchange name, registered email address, and any two-factor authentication method. Each platform has its own bereavement process. Your executor will need to contact each one individually with a death certificate and proof of beneficiary status.

Legal Questions

What is RUFADAA?

The Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA) gives your executor, trustee, or agent legal authority to manage digital assets — but only if you explicitly granted that authority in your estate documents, and only to the extent platforms allow under their terms of service. Most US states have adopted it. See our State Laws page.

Do I need a lawyer?

For practical steps (legacy contacts, password manager emergency access, Letter to Family) — no. For legally binding documents (will with digital asset clause, trust, power of attorney) — yes, strongly recommended, especially if you have significant crypto holdings, business interests, or complex family situations.

Can I include social media wishes in my will?

Yes — and you should. Your will can state your wishes for each account. However, platforms are not legally bound to honor will instructions that conflict with their terms of service. The most effective approach combines a will clause with in-platform settings (Facebook Legacy Contact) and a Letter of Instruction for your executor.

AI & New Technology Questions

What happens to my ChatGPT history when I die?

As of May 2026, no major AI platform has a formal legacy process. Your conversation history is tied to your account email. If family can access your email, they may be able to access conversations. If not, history may be inaccessible or eventually deleted. Document your AI accounts and explicit wishes in your Letter to Family.

Can someone use my voice clone after I die?

This is an emerging legal area. The NO FAKES Act is progressing through US Congress to address unauthorized digital replicas. Some states have individual laws. If you have a voice clone or AI avatar, document your explicit wishes — and consult an attorney if there is any commercial value involved.

What about AI tools I pay for monthly — do they keep billing?

Yes, unless cancelled. ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro, Midjourney, and similar subscriptions are just like any other subscription service. List them in your Letter to Family and include the billing card details so your executor can cancel them.