You were named as Digital Executor — now what?

Your friend or loved one has written their last will & testament — and they just named you as their digital executor. What does this actually mean?

First, note that if you were named as an alternate digital executor, then you will be asked to serve only if the person named as digital executor is unable to, or declines to serve.

What is a digital executor?

The digital executor is a fairly new role when it comes to wills. Every arrangement is different, but generally a digital executor's responsibility is:

• Distributing digital assets like online accounts, music, documents, photos, cryptocurrency, etc. to the recipients named in the will
• Shutting down or converting online accounts or social media profiles

Do I have to serve as digital executor?

No, being nominated does not obligate you to serve. When the time comes, you can decide whether to accept this responsibility or not. If you choose to decline, another alternate digital executor named in the will can take over, and if no alternate is available, the probate court will appoint someone else to serve. Even if you do agree to serve as digital executor, you can later choose to resign.

What should I do now?

• If the person that named you hasn’t done so already, get in touch to discuss the specifics of their wishes so you know exactly what your responsibilities will be.
• Ask the person that named you where their will is going to be stored so that you’ll be able to find it.
• Create or update your own will. It's quick, 100% free, and you can update it at any time.