LegalClarity Team
January 31st, 2026
Settling a loved one’s digital life requires understanding legal roles and provider policies.
When a person passes away, their digital presence remains in the form of email, social media, and cloud storage accounts. These items are often called digital assets. Families and representatives frequently need to access this information to find financial records or save sentimental photos.
Legal authority to manage a deceased person’s online accounts is generally held by an individual known as a fiduciary. This person, often called a personal representative, executor, or trustee, has a legal duty to handle the deceased person’s property. The specific powers a fiduciary has over digital assets depend on state laws, the instructions left in a will or trust, and the specific terms of service of the website or platform holding the data.
Learn the process for managing accounts and how planning can simplify it:
- Legal Authority for Digital Assets
- Required Information and Documentation
- The Process for Requesting Access
- Proactive Estate Planning for Digital Assets
