More and more of our belongings are becoming digital. This has resulted in a colossal increase in digital memories and assets. But how do we ensure our digital memories are protected? Read on to find out.
Examples of Digital Memories
Memories are captured in many ways, and when someone dies, they often outline items in their will of sentimental value just as urgently as financial assets. Memories can stay in families for generations, bringing joy and comfort and helping future offspring learn about their parents, grandparents and other family members. Examples of digital memories include:
Photos and videos – many of us use the cloud to store digital images and videos, from baby photos and those ‘firsts’ to weddings, holidays, birthdays, events and special family moments.
Social media – most people have a social media account, whether it be Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin or TikTok. These hold a surprising amount of information and memories. Millions have used Facebook for over fifteen years, and it can show a great timeline of life events and ups and downs.
Blogs – blogging and journalling is a great way to share your thoughts, ideas and passions with like-minded people. They take time and emotional investment, so ensuring they are not lost in cyberland once you’re gone makes sense. Maybe they can offer a comforting insight for your friends and family.
Music – your playlists are personal; many loved ones will link your music with your memory. Your music can also serve as a great personal playlist regarding funeral planning.
Creative work – stories, poems, spoken word and art- is something that more and more people are creating digitally. Don’t let them disappear; they could inspire the next generation!
Correspondents – years ago, we kept faded hand-written personal letters and treasured them. Now it may be emailed, but the words mean the same.
Securing Digital Memories
Here are the top priorities when securing your digital memories to ensure your loved ones can access them and deal with them accordingly once you are gone.
Lists
Make a list of every digital memory you have and update it as and when needed. This list should be kept with the will so it is easy to find. You should also outline your wishes regarding what you want them to do with them.
Passwords
List and update usernames and passwords for digital accounts so your next of kin can easily access them, along with the email addresses they are linked to. Also, be sure to leave the password to your email addresses.
Authority
State in writing that your executor is authorised to access your digital accounts and have it signed, witnessed and stored with your will.
User Licences
Check what happens to digital accounts upon the owner’s death and swat up on the user licences so you know what instructions to leave your executor.
For professional will writing advice, contact Probate a Will on 0203 9859554.
