With a Google account, you have options to control your data and the tools to manage your account – and you can also tell Google how to manage this account as part of your estate plan.
Google accounts and apps are used for a wide variety of purposes, including email, creating and managing documents, spreadsheets, photos, and navigation. In order to use Android phones and tablets, Chromebooks, and to install mobile apps, you also need to have a Google account set up.
Managing your digital assets is a vital part of estate planning. If you become disabled or pass away, what will happen to your online accounts? When it comes to powers of attorney and executing your will, what does the law require regarding these accounts?
You should begin by choosing an executor or principal for your will or powers of attorney. You also must state who you will allow to manage your digital assets and accounts on your behalf.
Here are the steps to specifying your wishes to Google regarding the management of your account:
Google will ask you for details of your plan, including:
Google will then ask you to:
Google provides a useful way to indicate how you want your account to be accessed and managed should you become incapacitated or deceased. It is worth taking the time to make your digital accounts a part of your estate plan.
For help creating or updating your estate plan, contact us at Wilson and Wilson Estate Planning and Elder Law, LLC at 708 482 7090 for our main office in LaGrange, Illinois or at 847 656 8958 for our Deerfield, Illinois office.