Suggestions by an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney in Shreveport

– Protecting Your Digital Assets in Louisiana

Who would have thought 20 years ago that part of planning your estate would include email, social media, and online banking accounts? The cyber world is vast and ever-expanding. Yet, it may be overlooked when considering leaving your personal assets in your will. Who has access to your online accounts, and how things will be managed and distributed is now crucial. When you speak with your estate planning attorney in Shreveport, they can advise you on what to consider for your digital assets. Don’t leave any stone unturned as you plan how your estate will be accessed and distributed when you pass away.

Understanding What Digital Assets Are and How they Fit into Estate Planning

Digital assets are a more significant part of people’s lives than many may realize. Millions of people access their social media feeds or email accounts multiple times a day. They save photos to the cloud, and many use loyalty points programs for their purchases. All these things comprise your digital estate and it’s important to address them when you discuss estate planning with your Shreveport attorney.

If you haven’t considered what would happen to your online banking account, among other online accounts and assets upon your passing, it’s time to get a handle on your digital footprint.

Here are 7 most common FAQS related to digital asset management:

  1. What are digital assets? A digital asset is an electronic record or file stored online, on a mobile device, or your personal computer. Digital assets include, but are not limited to:
    • Email accounts
    • Social media accounts (E.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.)
    • Online banking accounts (E.g., cryptocurrency access)
    • Online subscription accounts
    • E-commerce and marketplace accounts (E.g., Amazon, eBay, and others)
    • Any photos saved online or on the cloud
    • Online chatrooms
    • Cell phone apps
    • Online dating or gaming accounts
    • Loyalty program benefits (i.e., grocery stores, frequent flyer miles, etc.)
  2. Why do you need to include digital assets in your estate planning? Quite simply, if you don’t include your digital assets in your estate planning, your heirs may not be able to access them. Family photos could be tied up or lost. Money may be withheld from online banking accounts.
  3. How do you identify your digital assets? Start by taking an inventory of all your online accounts. Include your social media, banking, cellphone apps, and anything else you get online. Next, write down the login and password.
  4. What must you keep in mind when choosing a digital executor? You want a trusted loved one to be able to access all your digital accounts when you pass. They may or may not be the same person that is the appointed executor for your will and estate. It would be best to choose someone who is not only trustworthy but also tech-savvy.
  5. How can you secure your digital assets? It’s vital that only you and your digital executor can access your digital assets. To ensure that, keep your passwords strong and unique, and do not share them with anyone.
  6. Do you need to include instructions in your will? Talk with your Shreveport estate planning attorney about adding instructions within your will regarding who and how your digital assets should be handled.
  7. Why must you keep your digital asset inventory updated? Your digital asset inventory is not a set-it-and-forget-it item. It’s best to regularly review and update your inventory and instructions, especially as technology and account information changes happen constantly.

Choose a Seasoned Estate Planning Attorney in Shreveport

You don’t have to figure out all the estate and digital asset planning details on your own. David L. White has decades of experience helping families plan their estates. He can assist you with determining what you need to include and help navigate the estate laws in Louisiana. He also serves Shreveport in criminal defense, family law, personal injury, commercial litigation, and interdiction assistance. Schedule a free phone consultation with David and his team today to learn more.


Contact an experienced estate planning attorney in Shreveport, Louisiana, who can handle all your legal needs. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.