What is a digital estate?

A digital estate refers to all of your digital assets and online accounts that exist electronically. This includes traditional items like email accounts, social media profiles, and cloud storage, as well as non-traditional assets such as cryptocurrency, NFTs, creator earnings from online platforms, and virtual property in metaverses.

Why do I need a digital estate plan for NFTs and crypto?

Without a digital estate plan, your valuable NFTs and cryptocurrency can become permanently inaccessible to your heirs. These assets are typically secured by private keys or seed phrases that, if lost or unknown to your beneficiaries, render the assets irretrievable. A plan ensures your designated fiduciaries have the necessary access and instructions to manage and distribute these assets according to your wishes.

Can I include my YouTube channel or Patreon earnings in my will?

Yes, you can and should include your creator earnings and associated intellectual property in your estate plan. Your will can designate who inherits the rights to your content, how ongoing earnings should be managed, and who should have access to your platform accounts. You'll also need to provide specific instructions and login details (via a secure password manager) to your digital fiduciary.

What happens to my metaverse assets if I don't plan for them?

If you don't plan for your metaverse assets (like virtual land or digital collectibles), they will likely become inaccessible and potentially lost. Ownership is often tied to blockchain wallets, requiring private keys or seed phrases. Without these, your heirs cannot prove ownership or transfer the assets, effectively rendering them worthless.

How do I legally grant someone access to my digital assets?

You legally grant someone access by explicitly naming them as a digital fiduciary in your will, trust, or a durable power of attorney for digital assets. These legal documents should clearly outline their authority to access, manage, and distribute your specified digital assets, in compliance with laws like the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA) in many U.S. states.

Should I give my private keys to my executor?

You should never directly give your private keys or seed phrases to your executor or anyone else in an unsecured manner. Instead, document where these critical pieces of information are securely stored (e.g., in a fireproof safe, bank vault) and provide clear instructions for your designated digital fiduciary on how to retrieve and use them after your passing. A secure password manager should be used for account logins, not for private keys.

How often should I update my digital estate plan?

You should review and update your digital estate plan at least annually, or whenever there's a significant change in your digital asset holdings, online accounts, or personal circumstances. The digital landscape evolves rapidly, so regular updates ensure your plan remains current, accurate, and effective.

Digital Estate Planning for NFTs, Crypto & Metaverse | One…