Digital assets are more common in 2026 than they have ever been for previous generations. Many people buy digital products, which can be transferred between all manner of devices. People also invest in digital currencies and investment opportunities.
Many of these things can be addressed in an estate plan. But it often depends on the type of asset and what you want to do with it after you pass away. Let’s take a look at two key examples below.
Passing on cryptocurrency
With cryptocurrency and other types of digital currencies, there are often options to pass them to someone else. Many people have made thousands of dollars buying these online currencies, and they may make up a significant portion of their investments. They certainly want to leave this money to their children, grandchildren and other beneficiaries.
In addition to specifying the intended beneficiary in the will or other estate planning documentation, it is important to remember that these can be complex assets to access. A cryptocurrency wallet is going to have a certain identification number, so login credentials are necessary. If the beneficiary is not given the appropriate information to access the account, even if the will says that they own it, they are not going to benefit from it or be able to withdraw the funds. So communication is necessary.
Passing on digital products
With digital products, things become more complicated. In fact, there are many cases in which you cannot include these in an estate plan to begin with.
For example, if you buy digital products like movies, you need to check the agreement that you signed when you made the purchase. You may own the movie, which you have downloaded, and you can then pass it on to someone else on a hard drive. But often, you will find that you have actually only purchased a license and that you are not allowed to transfer it. You do not own the movie at all, but simply have purchased permission to watch it on your device whenever you want.
These are just two examples that help to demonstrate the complexities of digital estate planning. Be sure you know what legal steps to take.