What happens to my online accounts, photos, and social media when I die?

Without planning, your family may be locked out. Most platforms prohibit password sharing, and privacy laws can prevent even a spouse from accessing accounts. Start by making an inventory of digital assets: email, banking logins, cloud photos, social media, domain names, and any cryptocurrency. Store it securely, ideally in a password manager, and tell your executor how to reach it.

Use the built-in tools: Google's Inactive Account Manager, Facebook's legacy contact, and Apple's Digital Legacy program let you name someone in advance. Most states have adopted a law (RUFADAA) that lets you authorize a fiduciary to access digital assets, so add specific digital-asset language to your will or trust. Never put passwords directly in a will, since it becomes public.