Estate Planning has Evolved Into Social Media from the Grave

May 9, 2023
By Alternative Divorce Solutions

The climate of estate planning is certainly changing. With technology constantly advancing, the possibilities are endless for what we are capable of. As a result, many private companies have started dealing with the issues related to online access of accounts after the death of the account holder. While this is not directly related to something you would talk to your estate planning attorney about, it is a pressing issue that needs attention.

Yahoo Japan has started to market a new service to customers, called Yahoo Ending, that includes burial and wake preparations, as well as a service that allows you to pre-record messages to love ones. This is very similar to the estate planning services offered at many law firms. However, this unique service also permits the account holder to designate which files and photos should be deleted from their accounts upon their death and which should get sent to family members. It also will delete the account completely after death for the account holder.

This service is the beginning of what I expect to be many, in dealing with social media accounts, of a deceased loved one. Many family members do not have passwords needed to access these accounts, such as Facebook, Yahoo, Twitter, or other online networks, which have become an integral part of daily life.

So here is the big question…. How does Yahoo Japan know when a user has died? Upon registration each account holder receives a booking number to share with someone they trust. When they die, that person then calls the company with that booking number and then the deceased person’s preferences are shared with their designated family members or friends. A funeral home must also send a notice of sorts in order to trigger the sending of emails requested and the deletion of files and the account as a whole. This company raising a whole new genre of issues to consider in your estate planning; namely dealing with your social media.

Categories

Related Posts

Is Mediation the Same as Divorce?

Is Mediation the Same as Divorce?Divorce is rarely an easy choice to make. Deciding to end your marriage can have inevitable and lasting impacts on your life and future. While summoning the courage to ask for a divorce can be emotionally draining, there are many other decisions that soon-to-be divorcees must make after the paperwork […]

read more

How Do I Handle Valentine’s Day After Divorce?

Staying PositiveValentine’s Day can be difficult for those who have gone through a divorce. Knowing how to celebrate the holiday can be hard when your relationship is no longer intact. If you are struggling to figure out how to handle Valentine’s Day this year, don’t worry! We are here to help. In this blog, we […]

read more

Are Divorce Mediators the Same as Divorce Attorneys?

Divorce Mediators vs. Divorce Lawyers: What’s the Difference?Deciding to end a marriage is never easy. For many couples, the choice to file for divorce can lead to more overwhelming decisions, responsibilities, and a never-ending list of tasks. From hiring an attorney to modifying living arrangements to forming a financial plan, choosing to end a marriage […]

read more