The Law Society have published new research showing that a massive 74% of those surveyed (more than a 1000 members of the public in June 2020) don’t know what happens to their digital assets when they die.

David Greene, president of the Law Society of England and Wales said, “Technology is a huge part of modern life and our digital assets include everything from photos stored online to online banking and email accounts.”

Mr Greene went on to say, “Photos, social media accounts and emails from loved ones are often just as treasured as physical possessions – and yet very few people understand what happens to their digital assets or why it is important to include them in their will.”

A huge 93% of those surveyed who have made a will did not include any reference to digital assets in their will.

As David Greene says, “…this can leave family members unable to access family photos saved on the deceased’s online accounts… It can also leave them unable to access information they might need for probate which is stored on the deceased’s email or online banking accounts.”

Referencing digital assets in your will and maintaining an up to date record of online accounts and passwords will enable your loved ones to access your digital assets without additional stresses in the aftermath of your death.

Perhaps it should be your new year’s resolution to make a will or to update your old one. At Osmonds, we are happy to help you. Simply email us at enquiries@firstclasswills.co.uk to discuss it further.