How to Handle Digital Assets & Online Accounts in Probate

Today’s estates aren’t just about bank accounts and houses. They’re also email logins, social media profiles, cloud photo libraries, even cryptocurrency wallets and small online shops. Unfortunately, most people overlook these “digital assets” in their estate planning — which creates huge headaches for families trying to settle an estate after someone passes. If you’re an executor or family member, here’s what you need to know to protect these assets (or properly shut them down) during Florida probate.

💻 What Counts as a Digital Asset?

When handling probate today, digital assets include far more than you might think:

• ✅ Email accounts & cloud storage: Gmail, Outlook, Dropbox, iCloud photos — often holding important personal and financial records.
• ✅ Social media & websites: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, personal blogs, or domain names that might have value.
• ✅ Online financial accounts: PayPal, Venmo, brokerage accounts, online banks, crypto wallets like Coinbase or MetaMask.
• ✅ Online businesses: Etsy shops, Amazon seller accounts, or eBay storefronts that generate real income.

All of these can have both sentimental and monetary value — and if they aren’t handled properly, families risk losing them forever or exposing them to fraud.

⚖️ Why Digital Assets Are a Big Deal in Probate

Many families are shocked to discover that privacy laws protect these accounts, even after death. Without explicit authorization in a will or under Florida’s digital fiduciary laws, companies may refuse to release data — even to an executor.

• ✅ Some assets might be lost forever: Think of a crypto wallet that heirs didn’t even know existed. Without access, the money could be gone for good.
• ✅ Sentimental items can disappear: Like thousands of family photos trapped in a locked iCloud account.
• ✅ Unmanaged accounts risk fraud: Hackers love dormant accounts, which can be targets for identity theft.

This is why handling digital assets carefully is now an essential part of probate.

📝 Practical Steps Executors Can Take in Florida

If you’re the personal representative (executor) of a Florida estate, here’s how to get started:

• ✅ Look for paperwork or device clues: Password managers, browser autofills, or even bank statements showing transfers to PayPal or Coinbase.
• ✅ Use official documents: Companies typically require a death certificate and Florida letters of administration to even begin releasing account info.
• ✅ Rely on Florida’s updated laws: Florida follows rules similar to the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA), which allows executors with proper documentation to request digital access.

Just be patient. Every platform has its own requirements — some move quickly, others may drag on for months.

🤝 How Probate Advocates Helps Families Handle Digital Assets

Most families feel overwhelmed by this modern side of probate. At Probate Advocates, we:

• ✅ Guide you step by step: Show you what to look for, who to notify, and how to keep careful records so nothing gets overlooked.
• ✅ Connect you to trusted Florida probate attorneys: They can formally file digital asset access requests if needed.
• ✅ Keep families calm and organized: Reducing the fear of lost assets or unauthorized use while probate is underway.

It’s not just about money. It’s also about protecting your loved one’s digital legacy — and avoiding heartache later over missing family photos or compromised accounts.

🔮 Planning Ahead: Don’t Leave a Digital Mess

If you’re reading this while still healthy, take it as a nudge to get organized. Avoid putting your family through stressful guesswork or battles with tech companies. Instead:

• ✅ Create a digital inventory: List your major accounts and what’s important about them.
• ✅ Use a secure password manager: And ensure your digital executor or someone you trust knows how to access it if needed.
• ✅ Update your will: Include explicit language giving your executor authority over digital assets under Florida law.

It’s a small step now that could save your family from months (or years) of unnecessary frustration later.

Get Help Managing Digital Assets in Florida Probate

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace legal or financial advice. Always consult a qualified Florida probate attorney for guidance on digital asset management.