Do you need a digital will? Probably. Like a traditional last will & testament that deals with real and personal property, a digital Will concerns itself with your digital assets. A digital will directs a representative(s) of your choice to deal with your digital assets when you die. What are digital assets? Digital assets range from cloud storage to online bank accounts. Social media accounts and contact lists also fall into the digital asset category. These are just a few digital assets that need attention upon your death.

Any online content may be considered a digital asset. There are a large number of accounts that qualify. Here is a brief list.

• Social Media Accounts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Cloud Storage services (Dropbox, Amazon Photo, Google Photo, etc.)
• Streaming Subscriptions (Netflix, ESPN+, Hulu, etc.)
  Online Bank accounts
• Digital currency accounts
• Email accounts
• Forum, Gaming, and Blog accounts
• Online Commerce Accounts (Amazon, Wal-Mart, Etsy, eBay, etc.)
• Document Accounts (Google docs, ZOHO, etc.)
• Online Payment services (PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, etc.)
• Credit Bureau Accounts
  
  As you can see, digital content can grow in the same way personal assets do. Many spouses believe their husband or wife will care for these accounts when they are gone. Many state laws and online platform terms of service agreements do not allow a spouse to log in and alter an account without specific permission. A digital will provides the necessary permission in most cases.
  
  The average American has 66 online accounts. You can designate different representatives or executors for specific content. You might name a friend or family member you often game with to deal with a gaming account. You can name your spouse to execute more personal or financial wishes. The choice is yours.
  
  If you don't care if your representative sees every detail of your online life, then using a password manager like RoboForm or Dashlane may be appropriate. Your digital will could then pass on your master password, providing your representative access to all of your accounts.
  
  Companies like GoodTrust  and DigitalWill  offer services that address the problem, but action is required, not unlike a traditional will. Your attorney may be the best place to start, but not all attorneys are familiar with digital Wills. Find out more in this month's blog post, Inheriting the Internet.