The Digital Part of Your Legacy
Your life isn’t just stored in file cabinets anymore — it’s online. From photos and videos to social media accounts and cryptocurrency, your “digital footprint” has become an important part of what you’ll leave behind.
Yet most people never think to include these digital assets in their estate plan. At McCarthy Law Office, we help families across the greater Cincinnati area, including by our West Side office, protect not only their homes and savings but also their growing collection of digital property. Planning ahead ensures your loved ones aren’t left guessing or locked out when it matters most.
What Counts as a Digital Asset?
Digital assets include nearly everything you own or manage online, such as:
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Photos and videos saved on your phone, computer, or in the cloud
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Email accounts and stored documents
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Cryptocurrency or NFTs
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Social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, etc.)
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Domain names and website content
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Online business or e-commerce accounts (Etsy, Shopify, YouTube, affiliate marketing, etc.)
Some of these carry deep sentimental value — others may hold significant financial value or even generate income. Either way, they’re worth protecting just like your home, car, or bank accounts.
1️⃣ Create an Inventory of Your Digital Life
Start by listing every online account, password, and platform you use. Don’t forget cloud storage, financial apps, and any subscription or business-related tools.
If you own a small business or side hustle here in Cincinnati, include your digital records, client databases, and online payment systems. This list will make it much easier for your executor, trustee, or family to locate and manage your digital property when needed.
2️⃣ Choose a “Digital Fiduciary”
A digital fiduciary (sometimes called a “cyber successor”) is someone you trust to access and manage your online accounts if you’re unable to. Often, this is the same person who serves as your executor, trustee, or power of attorney agent.
Ohio has adopted the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA), which allows you to legally grant that access in your estate plan.
You can also use tools like Google’s Inactive Account Manager or Apple’s Digital Legacy to simplify things for your representative.
3️⃣ Integrate Digital Assets Into Your Estate Plan
Depending on your situation, it may make sense to include your digital property directly in your trust or power of attorney.
Some digital assets — especially those tied to cryptocurrency, online businesses, or valuable intellectual property — require extra attention to ensure they remain accessible after your passing.
At McCarthy Law Office, we’ll review your current plan and help you incorporate digital assets seamlessly so your loved ones won’t face delays or legal barriers.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
Failing to plan for your digital assets can cause real problems. Families may lose access to treasured photos, or a small business could grind to a halt if online accounts can’t be reached.
Taking the time now to organize and document your digital legacy gives your loved ones clarity, not confusion.
If this process feels overwhelming, we can help every step of the way.
Let’s Protect Your Entire Legacy — Digital and Otherwise
At McCarthy Law Office, we believe estate planning should cover everything that matters — from your home and investments to your online accounts and memories.
📍 McCarthy Law Office
7595 Bridgetown Road • Cincinnati, Ohio
(Serving families across the Cincinnati area, including the West Side — Bridgetown, Cleves, North Bend, Delhi, Green Township, and beyond)
📞 Call us today to schedule a consultation: 513-815-7006
🌐 www.danmccarthylaw.com