
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
There are two ways that you can provide easy access to your online digital accounts. You can either use the online tool, which gives you a way to disclose (or not disclose) important account information, or you can provide instructions within your will. You can prohibit access to accounts that you do not wish anyone to access, and you can leave final wishes on how the information will be used. Your executor does not have an “all access” pass. The things they do should still be in your best interest, and they do not receive expanded user rights under the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets.
If you do not disclose information to an account, your executor can press the account custodian for access. This is not the optimal option, however. The custodian can grant only partial access, which may leave important assets out of your executor’s reach. Alternatively, your executor may be granted access to an account that you wanted to remain private or undisclosed. For this reason, every person should consider including a digital asset provision in their estate plan. Contact an experienced estate planning lawyer to ensure yours is properly and effectively executed.
Contact Our Barrington, Illinois Estate Planning Lawyers
When it comes to crafting an estate plan, there are many considerations to make. Your digital assets are just one. The experienced
Barrington, Illinois estate planning lawyers at Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC provide the knowledge, experience, and insight you need to ensure your wishes are carried out within the guidelines of the law. Get started today by calling 847-934-6000 to schedule your consultation.

About the Author: Attorney Jay Andrew is a founding partner of Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC. He is a graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law and has been practicing in estate planning, probate, trust administration, real estate law, residential/ commercial leasing, contracts, and civil litigation. Since 2005, Jay has been a Chair of the Mock Trial Committee for the Annual Northwest Suburban Bar Association High School Mock Trial Invitation which serves over 240 local Illinois students each year.
Source:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3728&ChapterID=60