When people think about making a will, they usually consider their home, savings and possessions, according to Richmond Wills & Probate.

It said: "But much of modern life now exists online, from banking and investments to photographs, subscriptions and social media accounts.

"These digital assets and accounts can be overlooked when planning for the future. For families dealing with a bereavement, that can create additional work at an already difficult time."

In this feature, Richmond Wills & Probate explains why digital information deserves a place in your estate planning.

What counts as a digital asset?

Digital assets and accounts may include online banking and investments; cryptocurrency; photographs and documents stored in the cloud; websites, domain names and online businesses; email and social media accounts; and digital purchases or subscriptions.

Not everything on this list is legally an asset that can be inherited. Money held in an online bank account forms part of an estate, while access to social media accounts may be governed by the platform's terms and conditions.

Why does digital estate planning matter?

A family may know about someone's main bank account and property, but not a savings account managed through an app, a cryptocurrency holding or a subscription that continues to renew. Important photographs might be stored in an account nobody else can access.

Executors may need to identify assets, establish their value, notify organisations and manage ongoing payments.

Five practical steps to consider

1. Make an inventory of important accounts

Record the financial institutions, platforms and services you use. Focus on accounts containing money, valuable information, important documents or material your family may need. Include the provider's name, account type and information that would help an executor contact the organisation.

2. Think about digital photographs and memories

Some digital possessions have little monetary value but enormous sentimental importance. Consider how you would like photographs, videos and personal documents preserved, and whether your provider offers a legacy-contact or account-management feature.

3. Check online legacy settings

Some platforms let users nominate someone to manage or retrieve information after death. Options differ between providers; naming a legacy contact does not necessarily confer ownership or unrestricted access.

4. Keep sensitive information secure

An account inventory is useful, but it should not become an unsecured password list. Avoid placing passwords, recovery codes or cryptocurrency private keys directly in a will, which may become publicly accessible after probate. Consider secure storage and clear instructions on where authorised executors can find relevant information.

5. Review your will and estate-planning documents

Online investments may need valuing, a digital business may need ongoing management, and cryptocurrency may have tax implications. Your will should be considered alongside business arrangements, account nominations and practical instructions. Seek appropriate professional advice for complex circumstances.

Can cryptocurrency be inherited?

Cryptocurrency can form part of an estate and may need to be identified and valued for Inheritance Tax purposes. The practical difficulty is access: without appropriate recovery information, an executor may know that holdings exist but be unable to retrieve them.

Does an executor automatically get access to online accounts?

Not necessarily. Appointment as executor does not automatically override security arrangements, privacy rules or contractual restrictions. The executor may need to follow each provider's bereavement procedure.

Making digital assets part of your estate plan

A simple, regularly updated inventory of important accounts, combined with secure storage and a properly considered will, can reduce uncertainty for your family.

Richmond Wills & Probate helps individuals and families in Teddington, Twickenham, Richmond and surrounding areas plan for the future. If you are making or reviewing a will, digital assets are worth including in the conversation.

Find out more about will writing via Richmond Wills & Probate's website here.

This article provides general information about estate planning in England and Wales, not advice tailored to individual circumstances.

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