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Digital assets, such as email accounts, online banking accounts, phone and computer applications, photos stored in cloud accounts, and digital music have been a legal thorn in the sides of families and estate executors. Many loved ones simply overlooked or failed to consider the importance of granting access to these digital accounts in their estate plans, and their executors were left with no form of legal recourse when it came to gaining that access. Others permitted access but failed to keep their information updated, or had their accounts closed upon death. In these instances, too, executors were denied access.

Sadly, this lack of access created numerous problems for estate executors. Final bills went unpaid. Precious family photos were lost. Wishes could not be fulfilled. Illinois has finally stepped in and provide a provision for estate executors. They may now access digital assets, with or without explicit permission, giving them the ability to close out the estate in a timely and efficient manner. However, this new law also has its drawbacks for the deceased. Understand what the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act means for your estate, and learn what precautions you may want to take.

Why an Executor May Need Access to Your Digital Assets

The executor of your estate – generally a person who is close to you (an adult child, a spouse, a parent, etc.) – is tasked with wrapping up your affairs upon your death. They take care of your final expenses, notify any potential beneficiaries, obtain death certificates, sell any property that is not going to be distributed, and close up all other matters of your estate. At first glance, access to your digital accounts may not seem necessary for completing these tasks, but there may be some “loose ends” that they may need to tie up online. For example, your executor may need to:

- Pay your bills online,

- Obtain phone numbers and/or addresses stored in online accounts,

- Make administrative changes to a blog or social media account,

- Terminate subscriptions that may continue to incur costs,

- Pay or manage insurance premiums, and

- Access online storage accounts to print or transfer important photographs.

How the Act Ensures Executors Have Access to Your Accounts