More wills now including digital assets

PHOENIX - More and more people are choosing to include so-called digital assets as part of their estate planning.

Pat Elliott recently decided to add her digital assets to an existing will from years ago.

Elliott blogs for the popular website Empowher.com and has an extensive social media presence online as well.

"In the world we live in today where we have virtual identities, we really need to think how that should be handled after we're gone," said Elliott.

To amend her will, Elliott met with Valley attorney Jim Rees.

Rees specializes in including one's digital assets to their estate plan.

"Whether you see an attorney or not, you have to take some action particularly with digital assets," said Rees.

"Just getting (digital assets) identified and passwords and designating who you would like to administer some of that stuff."

Rees recommends his clients start by making a list of all online accounts complete with usernames and passwords for someone you trust to access when you die.

You can even designate in your will what should happen to your Facebook account, either turning it into a memorial or having it taken down.

"It's an issue a lot of people haven't given consideration to although that's increasing," said Rees.