The Estate Planning Trap No One Talks About: What Happens to Your Digital Assets?

Estate planning used to mean bank accounts, houses, and family heirlooms. But in today’s world, we also own digital assets — and without careful planning, your family may never access them.

Digital assets can include:

  • Online banking and PayPal accounts

  • Cryptocurrency wallets

  • Cloud storage and photos

  • Email accounts

  • Social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)

  • Subscriptions and loyalty points (Qantas Frequent Flyer, Flybuys)

In Australia, there’s no single law covering digital assets. Instead, access is often controlled by service providers’ terms and conditions. If no one has your login details, your family may be locked out permanently.

👉 Example

John passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a lifetime of family photos stored on iCloud. Because he hadn’t recorded his login details anywhere and Apple required a court order, his wife faced months of delays and legal fees just to access precious family memories.

The key takeaway? Your will must deal with digital assets. This can mean:

  • Appointing a trusted person to manage your digital assets.

  • Leaving clear instructions on how accounts should be handled (closed, memorialised, or transferred).

  • Recording login credentials securely (never in your will itself, but in a password manager or with a trusted person).

➡️ Don’t let your digital life vanish into the cloud. Start your estate planning today with Estate Essentials and ensure your digital assets are part of your legacy.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Estate Essentials is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it may not apply to your specific circumstances or address all potential issues. We strongly recommend consulting an independent legal professional to ensure your estate planning documents meet your unique requirements.