A Digital Will Matters in Pennsylvania
When most people think about estate planning, they think of last wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, but in today’s world, our lives exist just as much online as they do in filing cabinets. From email and social media to cloud storage and even online banking, these accounts are part of your digital legacy. Have you made a plan for them?
What is a Digital Will?
A digital will is a written record of your wishes for your online accounts and digital property after your passing. It can cover things like:
- Who should manage your email, Facebook, or Instagram accounts?
- What happens to your online photo albums and cloud files?
- Access to financial accounts like Venmo, PayPal, etc.?
- Directions for closing or memorializing social media pages.
Without clear instructions, these important parts of your life can be left in limbo – causing stress and confusion for loved ones.
Pennsylvania Law Supports Your Wishes
Pennsylvania has adopted the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA). Learn more about the RUFADAA. This law allows your executor, trustee, or power of attorney to access your digital assets – BUT ONLY IF YOU’VE GIVEN THEM PERMISSION IN WRITING. That’s why a digital will, or clear language in your estate planning documents, is so important.
Why You Should Act Now
Think about how much of your life is stored online: decades of photos, important documents, business accounts, and even personal messages. Without a plan, family members may never be able to access them – or worse accounts could be hacked or misused.
By preparing a digital will, you:
- Protect sensitive information from identity theft
- Ensure your family has access to your online accounts
- Preserve your digital memories and legacy
- Guide your loved ones during a difficult time
The FTC’s consumer guidance is another useful resource for thinking through digital privacy and legacy planning.
Diem Notary & Paralegal Services Can Help
At Diem Notary & Paralegal Services, I bring over 20 years of experience in estate planning and notarial services. While your attorney prepares the legal documents, I ensure they are executed properly. I work with individuals and families across Lancaster, Dauphin and York counties to notarize wills, powers of attorney, and yes – documents addressing your digital legacy.
Learn more about my Estate Planning Notary Services in Lancaster, PA and how I help families safeguard their most important documents.
I also provide mobile notary services, traveling to a location convenient for you providing professional, confidential service every step of the way.
📌 Take the next step today
If you’re preparing or updating your estate plan, don’t forget about your digital assets. You can get started organizing your digital assets using my Protected Digital Assets Checklist. Complete the form below to download the list today.
After your estate planning documents are complete, reach out to schedule a notarization appointment.
📞 Call/Text: 717-269-7545
🗓️ Schedule here: https://diemnotary.com/book-an-appointment/
💻 Contact Form: https://diemnotary.com/contact-us/
📧 Email: wendy@diemnotary.com
Let Diem Notary & Paralegal Services, LLC make your day easier!
