In today’s increasingly digital world, many of us own far more online assets than we might realise. From treasured family photos to thriving online businesses, these digital possessions are often just as valuable – if not more so – than our physical ones. For the next generation, this reality is even more significant.
As legal professionals committed to guiding families through important life decisions, at Barker Booth & Eastwood encourage everyone, especially those in their 30s, 40s and 50s, to consider how their digital legacy is managed and protected.
The Rise of Digital Assets
Our digital lives are rich and varied. While previous generations may have left behind photo albums and letters, today’s assets are more complex and often less visible. The average person might own:
- A lifetime’s worth of digital photographs and videos stored on the cloud
- Music, film, and eBook libraries bought through platforms like Apple, Amazon or Spotify
- Cryptocurrency wallets holding Bitcoin, Ethereum or other digital currencies
- Online-only bank accounts and investment platforms for stocks and shares
- Betting or gambling accounts with balances held in online wallets
- Accounts with significant value in online gaming platforms, such as in-game currencies or digital collectibles
- Social media accounts – particularly those that generate income or have a large following on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube
- Revenue-generating businesses built entirely online through dropshipping, affiliate marketing, or network marketing models
As our lives move online, our wealth – and even our identities – are following.
Why Digital Assets Matter in Estate Planning
Despite their value, many digital assets are easily overlooked when someone passes away. Without a clear legal plan, families can struggle to access online accounts. Some may even be lost forever due to security protocols or forgotten passwords.
That’s why digital assets should be treated with the same care as your property, finances, and personal belongings.
A professionally drafted Will is the best way to ensure your wishes are carried out. It allows you to:
- Specify who should inherit particular digital assets
- Authorise trusted individuals to access and manage online accounts
- Protect sentimental items like family photos and private messages
- Minimise the risk of assets being frozen, deleted, or misappropriated
- Set clear plans for valuable online businesses and income-generating platforms
In the absence of such instructions, your digital estate could become a legal and emotional minefield for your loved ones.
Common Digital Assets to Include in a Will
Here are some examples of what you may want to consider:
- Media collections – Photos, videos, music, and eBooks, particularly those stored on iCloud, Google Drive, or Amazon Kindle
- Financial accounts – PayPal, Monzo, Revolut, betting websites, and cryptocurrency exchanges
- Social and creative platforms – YouTube channels, Instagram accounts, TikTok, Substack newsletters, blogs, or any monetised content
- Gaming accounts – Steam, Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, or in-game purchases and rewards
- Online business accounts – eBay stores, Etsy shops, affiliate programs, or advertising revenue from Google or Meta
- Even accounts that may not seem valuable now (such as a domain name or social handle) could become lucrative in the future.
How to Protect and Pass on Digital Assets
The first step in protecting your digital legacy is to take stock of everything you own online. Here are practical ways to ensure your digital assets are accounted for:
- Make an inventory – List all your digital assets, including where they’re stored and any relevant login credentials (stored securely, of course).
- Set up a digital executor – In your Will, you can appoint someone specifically to manage your digital assets. This person should be tech-savvy and trustworthy.
- Use secure password management – Tools like LastPass or Dashlane can store and share encrypted credentials with your executor when the time comes.
- Back up sentimental items – Keep copies of important photos, documents or videos on physical hard drives or family cloud storage accounts.
- Consult a solicitor – A legal professional can ensure your Will properly reflects your digital holdings and meets the legal requirements for handling them.
Planning for the Future
Digital estate planning is especially important for younger generations who are building wealth in new ways. They are accumulating assets that previous generations never had to think about.
At Barker Booth & Eastwood, we believe estate planning shouldn’t just be about bricks and mortar. It should reflect the way we live today. That’s why our Wills and Probate team works with clients to ensure digital assets are protected and passed on according to their wishes.
Get Expert Advice
If you’d like to start planning or reviewing your Will to include digital assets, our approachable team is here to help. We’ll guide you through the process with care, clarity, and professionalism – making sure nothing is left behind or unspoken.
Contact Barker Booth & Eastwood today to book a Will appointment. Protecting your legacy starts now.
