The Estate That Lives Online: Planning for Digital Assets, Pensions and Property

Most families think of a will as a document about property and money. In 2026, that is only part of the picture. A person’s estate may include email accounts, cloud storage, social media profiles, cryptocurrency, online banking, and pension death benefits. Some of these are governed by the will; others are not. The result can be delay, frustration, and family friction at a time when clarity matters most.

Why digital assets need a plan

Digital assets are not a single category. There are financial assets, such as cryptocurrency and online savings accounts. There are access assets, such as passwords and recovery codes. There are sentimental assets, such as photographs and messages. There are also accounts that cannot be transferred, only memorialised or closed. The legal position is evolving, but the practical position is clear: if no one knows what exists or how to access it, the estate may not reflect the person’s wishes. A will can appoint executors and give directions, but it cannot always override a platform’s terms of service. Clear guidance now saves avoidable delay.

Pensions: nominations and beneficiaries

Pensions are often the largest asset outside the family home, yet they are not usually dealt with by the will. Most pension schemes pay death benefits at the discretion of the trustees or scheme administrator, guided by a nomination or expression of wish. Check that the nomination is up to date, especially after a marriage, divorce, or bereavement. Ask: who is nominated? Is the nomination in the correct form? Does the scheme allow a trust or a beneficiary to receive the funds? A pension is not simply part of the estate; it has its own rules. A conversation with an adviser can confirm whether the nomination still reflects the family’s circumstances.

Property and the familiar estate

Property, savings, investments, and personal possessions remain the core of most estates. A will should identify the executor, the beneficiaries, and any specific gifts. It should also consider Inheritance Tax, the residence nil-rate band, and the treatment of jointly owned property. For married couples and civil partners, the transferable nil-rate band may apply. For unmarried partners, the position is different. Ask: is the property held as joint tenants or tenants in common? Is there a mortgage? Are there business interests? These questions are familiar, but they still need answers.

Digital accounts: passwords, devices and recovery

Passwords are the practical key to a digital estate, but they are also a security risk. Do not put passwords in the will: a will becomes a public document after probate. Instead, use a secure password manager or a sealed letter held with the solicitor, and tell the executor where to find it. Consider two-factor authentication: a code sent to a mobile phone may be inaccessible to an executor. Ask: which accounts matter? Is there a password manager? Are recovery codes stored securely? Which devices hold local files? An executor may be able to obtain access through a platform’s legacy process, but that takes time and may require a death certificate and grant of probate.

Cloud storage and sentimental files

Photographs, family videos, and documents may sit in cloud storage. Some platforms allow a legacy contact or an inactive account manager. Others do not. Check the tools available: Google’s Inactive Account Manager, Apple’s Digital Legacy, and similar features can allow a trusted person to access data after death. Ask: what is stored in the cloud? Who should be able to access it? Is there a local backup? Sentimental assets may not have a market value, but they often matter most to families. A short note to the executor can prevent a long search.

Cryptocurrency: keys, wallets and records

Cryptocurrency is different from a bank account. If the private keys or recovery phrases are lost, the asset may be lost with them. Do not place the keys in the will. Instead, record that the asset exists, which wallet or exchange holds it, and where the recovery information is stored. Consider whether the exchange allows a beneficiary to access the account, and whether there is a process for probate. Ask: is there a hardware wallet? Where is the recovery phrase? Are there exchange accounts? Has tax advice been taken? Crypto can be volatile and difficult to value; executors may need specialist help.

Social media and memorialisation

Social media accounts are often left out of estate planning. Platforms differ: some allow a memorialised profile, some allow deletion, and some allow a legacy contact. Check the options for each platform and record the wishes of the account holder. Ask: should the profile be memorialised or deleted? Who should manage it? Are there photographs or messages that the family would want to keep? A short written note can guide the executor, even if the platform’s process takes time.

A practical checklist

• Make or review your will.
• Check pension nominations and death benefit forms.
• List digital accounts, devices, and storage locations.
• Store passwords and recovery codes securely, not in the will.
• Record crypto wallets and exchange accounts.
• Check social media memorialisation settings.
• Appoint an executor who is willing to handle digital matters.
• Consider a lasting power of attorney for financial and health decisions.
• Tell your family where the information is, even if you do not share the details.

A conversation guide

Estate planning works best as a conversation, not a single signature. Set aside time to discuss: who should act as executor; where important documents are kept; which digital accounts exist; what should happen to social media; and whether pension nominations are current. For business owners, include the interaction between the will and any shareholders’ agreement. For families with complex arrangements, take advice. A solicitor can draft the will and advise on trusts; a financial adviser can review pensions and investments; an accountant can consider Inheritance Tax. The aim is not to anticipate every outcome, but to leave clear guidance.

When to take advice

Take advice before signing a will, before changing pension nominations, and before transferring crypto or other digital assets. If there is a business, a second home, or a blended family, advice is particularly important. A will is a legal document, and digital assets raise questions that are still developing. Clear guidance now saves avoidable delay and family friction later.

A digital-age estate is still an estate. The familiar questions of property, pensions, and Inheritance Tax remain. But the online dimension deserves a place in the conversation. With a clear checklist, secure records, and up-to-date nominations, families can reduce the risk of delay and make sure the estate reflects the person behind the accounts.