How to Create a Digital Will: A Simple Guide for Canadians

November 7, 2024

Visits: 148

Digital Legacy

How to Create a Digital Will: A Simple Guide for Canadians

Have you ever thought about what happens to your online accounts after you're gone? In today's world, we have more digital accounts and online data than ever before—social media profiles, email, cloud storage, and even online bank accounts. A digital will, or digital directive, helps make sure your loved ones can manage or close your accounts after you pass away. It's like leaving a set of clear instructions about your online life. This guide will explain, in simple terms, how to create a digital will that works for you and your loved ones. Let's dive in!

Imagine how many online accounts you have right now. From email to shopping websites, cloud storage to digital banking, your digital presence is likely huge. Without a plan, it can be difficult for your loved ones to understand what to do with all these accounts. Some accounts may contain important memories, while others could have financial or personal information that needs handling. A digital will makes it easy for your family or trusted friends to carry out your wishes and prevents your online life from becoming a burden to others.

What is a Digital Will?

A digital will is a document that gives instructions about your online accounts and digital assets. It tells your loved ones what you want done with your social media profiles, cloud data, and even subscriptions you may have. It also helps provide the necessary information to access these accounts, while keeping your privacy and security in mind. By preparing a digital will, you can ensure that your digital legacy is handled according to your preferences and that no important data is lost or mismanaged.

Your digital will should be thorough but straightforward. It includes passwords, usernames, and access details for all of your online accounts, such as social media, banking, streaming services, and even loyalty programs. It also includes directions on what you would like to happen to each account—for example, whether you want your Facebook account memorialized or your cloud storage files shared with family. The more detailed and organized your digital will, the easier it will be for your loved ones to follow your instructions.

Why Do You Need a Digital Will?

Creating a digital will is just as important as preparing a traditional will. Here are some reasons why you need one:

Preserve Important Memories: Your photos, videos, and other files stored online are important memories that your family would want to keep. Often, your loved ones may not even know where these files are stored unless you clearly outline it for them.
Manage Social Media Accounts: Your family might want to close or memorialize your social media accounts. For instance, many platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer the option to memorialize accounts so that people can still visit and remember you without being able to interact in the usual way.
Protect Privacy: You may have private messages or other sensitive data that you don't want to remain accessible forever. By specifying what should be deleted and what should be saved, you can ensure your privacy even after you are gone.
Ease the Burden on Loved Ones: When you clearly state your wishes, it makes it much easier for your family during an already difficult time. Sorting through hundreds of online accounts without guidance can be an overwhelming and emotional task.
Prevent Identity Theft: After someone passes away, their inactive online accounts could become targets for hackers and identity thieves. A digital will ensures that your accounts are closed or managed, reducing the chances of misuse.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Digital Will

Creating a digital will might sound like a daunting task, but by following these simple steps, you can create one that is both easy to understand and effective. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create your own digital will.

Step	Action	Description
1	Make a List of Digital Assets	Write down all your online accounts, including email, social media, subscriptions, and online bank accounts. You can even include loyalty programs or video streaming services. Think of everything you log in to regularly or have personal data stored on.
2	Determine Who Gets Access	Decide who you want to manage each account. This could be a family member or a trusted friend. Consider choosing someone who is comfortable with technology. Make sure that person is aware of your wishes, and confirm that they are willing to take on this responsibility.
3	Write Your Instructions	Clearly state what you want done with each account—should they delete it, memorialize it, or transfer certain data to someone else? For example, do you want all photos in Google Photos saved for your family or certain documents in Dropbox passed on? Providing specific instructions helps ensure that your wishes are accurately fulfilled.
4	Store Passwords Securely	Store your account details (including usernames and passwords) in a secure place. A password manager is often a good idea to keep this information safe. Never store your passwords in plain text or in an unprotected file, as this can pose serious security risks.
5	Choose a Digital Executor	Name a digital executor in your traditional will. This is someone you trust to follow your wishes regarding your digital accounts. This person should be tech-savvy and someone you trust fully, as they will have access to sensitive information. Make sure they know where to find your digital will and understand your preferences.
6	Document Everything	Write these instructions in a formal document and attach it to your regular will. Make sure your executor knows where to find it. This document should be reviewed annually to keep it up-to-date with new accounts or changes in your preferences.
7	Back Up Important Data	Consider creating backups for your most important digital files. Whether they are stored in the cloud or on a physical hard drive, having backups ensures that data isn't lost if access to the original account becomes difficult or if accounts are deactivated too soon.

Digital Assets to Consider

Digital assets encompass a broad range of online data and accounts. Consider all the services and platforms you interact with when making your list.

Type of Asset	Examples	What to Do With It
Social Media	Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn	Decide if you want your account to be memorialized, deleted, or managed by a family member. Social media accounts often contain photos and memories that are meaningful to loved ones.
Email	Gmail, Yahoo	Let your executor know if any important information is stored here that should be passed on to family or deleted. Some email accounts may need to be accessed to close other accounts or verify identities.
Cloud Storage	Google Drive, iCloud	Specify if any files should be downloaded and saved or if they should be deleted. Cloud storage often contains personal photos, documents, and important information that could be useful for your loved ones.
Subscription Services	Netflix, Spotify	Decide if any of these accounts need to be canceled or transferred to a family member. This can prevent future billing issues for your family.
Financial Accounts	PayPal, Online Banking	Make sure your executor has clear instructions on how to handle these accounts. Accessing and closing financial accounts quickly can help avoid complications like missed payments or potential fraud.
E-commerce and Loyalty Programs	Amazon, eBay, Air Miles	Provide instructions on what to do with remaining balances, reward points, or outstanding orders. These accounts may also contain payment methods that need to be canceled.
Digital Collections	E-books, Digital Music, Purchased Movies	Specify what you want done with your digital collection. It may be possible for some digital assets to be shared or transferred to family members.

Using a Password Manager

Storing passwords safely is a critical part of your digital directive. Here are some options to consider for secure storage and sharing:

Password Manager	Description	Pros
LastPass	Stores all your passwords in one secure place and shares access with trusted people.	Easy to use, secure, has emergency access features. The emergency access allows trusted contacts to request access to your vault, which you can approve automatically.
1Password	Lets you create a vault that can be shared with your digital executor.	Highly secure, allows detailed organization. You can create multiple vaults to separate personal, financial, and other sensitive information.
Dashlane	Also offers a secure space to store passwords and share access with a trusted person.	Comes with features to change passwords quickly if needed, and provides dark web monitoring to alert you if your data has been compromised.
Bitwarden	Open-source password manager that offers secure password storage and sharing.	Free tier available, end-to-end encryption, and options to share access with trusted contacts.

Tips for Setting Up a Digital Will

Keep It Updated: Like a traditional will, a digital will needs to be updated regularly. You might open new accounts or change passwords over time, so make it a habit to review it at least once a year. Outdated information can make it difficult for your executor to carry out your wishes.
Choose a Tech-Savvy Executor: Make sure the person you choose to manage your digital assets is comfortable with technology. This will make it easier for them to navigate your accounts. If your executor is not comfortable with technology, consider providing them with a list of resources or tools that can help.
Discuss Your Wishes: Talk to your family members about your digital directive so they understand why it matters and what you want. This transparency helps ensure there are no surprises and that everyone knows how to respect your wishes.
Make Use of Built-in Tools: Some platforms have specific tools for managing your account after death. For instance, Facebook allows you to choose a legacy contact, and Google has an Inactive Account Manager that helps you decide what happens to your data if your account becomes inactive. Take advantage of these features where available to make things easier for your executor.

Legal Considerations

In Canada, a digital will is not a separate legal document—instead, it should be part of your regular will. Your lawyer can help you add details about your digital assets. It's important that your instructions comply with Canadian law to ensure that your executor can access your accounts without legal trouble.

Legal Tip	Description
Include in Traditional Will	Mention your digital executor and assets in your traditional will. The digital executor is the person responsible for managing your digital assets according to your wishes.
Consult a Lawyer	Make sure the instructions comply with Canadian estate laws to avoid complications. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal landscape of managing digital assets after death.
Avoid Including Passwords	Never write your passwords in the will itself—instead, use a password manager and mention how to access it. Including passwords in a will can be risky, as the will becomes a public document after your death.
Consider a Digital Power of Attorney	In some cases, granting someone power of attorney specifically for digital assets can be helpful, especially if you need help managing these assets while you are still alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
Do I need a lawyer to create a digital will?	You don't necessarily need a lawyer, but consulting one is recommended to ensure your wishes are legally valid. They can help you integrate your digital will with your traditional estate planning documents.
Can I just write down my passwords?	It is better to use a password manager to keep your information secure. Writing down passwords could lead to security issues, as paper can be easily lost, stolen, or damaged. Password managers are designed to store sensitive information securely.
What happens if I don't create a digital will?	Your loved ones may face difficulties accessing or closing your online accounts, and your digital assets could remain unmanaged. This can lead to frustration and even financial burdens if certain accounts are left active.
How often should I update my digital will?	You should review and update your digital will at least once a year or whenever you open new accounts or change important passwords. Regular updates ensure that your instructions remain accurate and effective.
What is a digital executor?	A digital executor is the person you appoint to carry out your wishes regarding your digital assets. This person should be comfortable with technology and willing to follow the instructions you have set out in your digital will.

Conclusion

Creating a digital will might sound complicated, but it’s all about organizing your online accounts and making sure your loved ones know what you want. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to leave behind clear instructions that protect your digital legacy. Remember, the key is to document, store safely, and make sure the right people know where to find this information. It’s a small effort now that can make a big difference for your family in the future.

If you have questions or need help, feel free to explore more articles on our site or contact a legal advisor to assist you with creating your digital will.

Take Action Today

Make a start by listing out your digital assets and planning how you want them handled. Even a simple plan is better than nothing—take that first step today! The peace of mind that comes from knowing your digital legacy is in good hands is worth the effort. With a well-prepared digital will, you can rest assured that your loved ones will know exactly how to handle your digital presence in a way that respects your wishes and their needs.

Remember, taking small steps now can prevent major stress for your loved ones in the future. Start today and create a digital will that makes a positive impact on the people you care about most.