If the issue is not considered the information could be misused. Also, online assets and accounts can easily be missed if there is no paper record and the Executors have no knowledge of them. Neither Facebook nor Twitter will hand over login information to Executors. On receipt of a death certificate, Twitter will delete an account and Facebook will either ‘memorialise’
Legislation is currently being drawn up both in the EU and the US to seek to address the issues. However these are complex and, as has rightly been commented that ‘legislation will always be the tortoise to technology’s hare’.
Increasingly people include login details and passwords in their Wills - however, unless securely stored; this could create serious security issues and also makes it cumbersome to keep records up-to-date. Alternatively, the Will could refer to a sealed envelope securely stored with the Will to contain the relevant information. This may be more secure and also allow for details to be updated in a simpler and quicker way.
If you would like to make a Will to deal with your actual, as well as virtual, asset and affairs contact Claudia Roberts at Glanvilles on 01983 527878 or c.roberts@glanvilles.co.uk
Glanvilles have offices in Fareham, Havant and Isle of Wight and offer a full range of legal services for individuals and businesses. For more information visit http://www.glanvilles.co.uk
