What happens to your Twitter, Facebook and other social media accounts when you pass away?

The use of social media in our day to day lives can no longer be ignored. Unfortunately these accounts still need to be monitored after someone passes away.

Given the nature of these accounts it is not always the best option to provide someone with your username and password whilst you are still alive and in some cases even once you pass away.

There are currently two options made available to the surviving family, firstly for the account to be deleted or secondly to have it converted into a memorial account. The memorial account allows users to leave messages for the deceased. Unfortunately organising either method can take time to implement, this can pose a risk of hacking or unwanted messages in the meantime. The access which is provided could also go to a family member who you would not necessarily choose to access your information.

A solution to this modern day difficulty would be to create a letter with your Will. The letter could contain usernames and passwords and would then be sealed by yourself and kept with your Solicitor along with your Will. The letter would only be handed over when you pass away to the person you elected. This will enable them to organise your social media accounts in accordance with your wishes.

If you’d like information on drafting a Will to protect your family, please contact Phoebe Tranter at Lawson-West on 0116 212 1000. We can also help with probate, inheritance tax and court of protection applications.

View all