When a Loved One Dies and No One Knows Their Passwords

A Loved One Dies. No One Knows Their Passwords. Here’s What to Do.

by Haley Perry for New York Times Wirecutter

You can find plenty of resources for how to prepare a digital will for your loved ones, but navigating someone’s online life after they’ve passed away suddenly and without preparation can be complicated and downright demoralizing. Although my father left behind a proper will, documented login credentials for most of his online accounts, and even noted the passcode to his phone, my family and I still faced challenges in transferring utilities, cancelling subscriptions, and paying ongoing expenses. And after spending a month researching the legality of digital estates and the options that a person has for accessing a loved one’s device or accounts, I’m still left with unanswered questions.

Unfortunately, there’s no universal solution for managing the digital portion of a person’s estate. Not only do digital-estate laws vary by state, but every single website and company you open an account with has its own privacy policy that could supersede those laws — and ultimately bar you from gaining access after someone’s death.

But that doesn’t mean the endeavor is hopeless, and the step-by-step list we’ve compiled below should prepare you for what to expect and how to get started.

• Gain access to their devices if you can. In many states, what constitutes a “digital asset” is still unclear, as well as whether those assets are subject to the same probate laws as the rest of a person’s estate.
• Gather the appropriate documents. Collecting documents that prove your relationship to your loved one can also be beneficial down the line.
• Keep track of bills and subscriptions. If you have access to their email account, you can use search filters to find which utilities, subscriptions, bills, and financial accounts the decedent is responsible for.
• Close or memorialize social media accounts. Most social media platforms allow you to request the deactivation of an account after someone passes away.
• Cancel or transfer utilities. In most cases, you need to provide a death certificate, and certain providers may require the last four digits of the decedent’s Social Security number.
• Prepare a digital will of your own. If you don’t want your own loved ones to face the same roadblocks, it could be time to prepare your own digital will.

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