Why Do Passwords Matter?
If you are a past client of mine, then you have most likely heard me talk about the importance of making sure that your passwords are accessible after your death. Today, I want to talk to you about why they matter, and which passwords to focus on.
Passwords matter for two reasons: logistics and emotions.
Logistically, it’s incredibly helpful to be able to access a decedent’s phone, computer, email, social media, financial accounts, and more after their death. When someone died thirty years ago, their loved ones would go to their home and look through all the mail for 3 months, and boom: we would know exactly what that decedent owned. Every credit card company, utility company, or other creditor would just send a monthly bill through the mail. Every bank, investment company, or other financial institution would send at least a quarterly statement. We knew what you (the decedent) owned by opening your mail, and it was, for probate purposes, a simpler time.
Now, many people manage their finances electronically only. This has many advantages, but one significant disadvantage is that when you die, we cannot find your assets unless you’ve left us a trail of breadcrumbs to follow, or, your passwords.
Note: you don’t need to worry about the bills. The creditors always find you.
The laws and practices around social media, email, and electronic communications are even more fraught, complicated, and ever-changing. If we don’t have your email password, there’s a high chance we won’t be able to access your emails. As this becomes a more persistent problem across society, there’s a good chance that many companies will change their practices to allow for more post-death access—but they may not.
In addition to logistics, there is a more important reason to give your loved ones access to your passwords. It will help them to grieve.
I have worked with families where we had access to the decedent’s devices after that person died. For example: your widow and your children will look at your photos, listen to your favorite music, go through your open tabs on your internet browser, read through all of your notes in your notes app, the list goes on. They will use it to feel connected to you. Many, many of my clients have told me that they use the phone/tablet/computer to help them grieve, and as a connection to you.
I have also worked with clients who did not have the phone, the computer, the email, or anything else online. It’s harder. The younger the decedent is, the harder it is to go without that information and devices. When the decedent is in their 70s or older, it’s not such a big problem. Unfortunately, when the decedent is younger (20s, 30s, 40s)—the lack leaves a hole. It makes grieving harder. I see it across my work.
There are three passwords that matter more than any of the others, in this order:
- Your phone
- Your email
- Your computer/tablet
If we can get into those three, we can generally get into everything else.
As an estate/probate attorney: please consider giving your family and loved ones this gift. Find a way to securely transmit those passwords to your appointed people when you are not able to tell them your passwords yourself. You won’t hear them say thank you. But, I promise you: as the lawyer on the estate, I will hear it, and I will see it in their easier grieving journey.
The material contained or linked to in this blog is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended to create or constitute an attorney-client relationship between Courtney Law Office, PLLC and any person. The information is not offered as legal advice and should not be construed as legal advice. Readers should not act on the information presented without consulting an attorney about your specific situation. Communications with the Courtney Law Office are not confidential unless a legal relationship is established by a representation agreement. If you would like to establish a legal relationship and seek legal advice, please reach out.
