A Digital Legacy Checklist for Families

Secure devices, identify authority, preserve files, and use official account procedures before deleting anything.

Phones, email, cloud storage, social profiles, subscriptions, and financial services may contain both sentimental and practical information. Acting too quickly can permanently remove files or disrupt access to other accounts.

Secure devices first

Keep phones, computers, external drives, mail, keys, and identification in a secure place. Do not reset a device until photos, documents, two-factor authentication, and estate needs have been reviewed.

Identify the authorized person

Possession of a password does not necessarily grant authority. Review estate documents, provider terms, and legal advice before accessing or changing an account.

Preserve before closing

Export authorized photographs and documents, keep at least two secure copies, and record each request and confirmation. Understand the difference between memorializing and deleting a social profile.

Read the complete Managing Online Accounts and Digital Legacy guide.

We Are Here When You Need Us

Call for immediate assistance, ask a funeral director a question, or begin a thoughtful preplanning conversation.

Call (718) 282-1164
Contact a Funeral Director
Begin Preplanning