Digital Legacy & Account Management

In today's digital world, our online presence is an extension of who we are. Whether you're planning ahead or managing a loved one's accounts after their passing, taking control of digital assets is an important step. Pre-planning allows you to decide how your social media, emails, and online subscriptions will be handled, ensuring your wishes are honoured and your loved ones are not left with difficult decisions. For those navigating this after a loss, closing or memorialising accounts can be an emotional yet necessary process. Solace provides guidance and connections to trusted tools that help streamline this, offering peace of mind in both preparation and aftercare.

Account Management & Social Media Memorialisation

Planning Ahead for Your Digital Afterlife

In today's world, much of our life is online - from emails and banking to social media and cloud storage. But what happens to these accounts when we're gone? Without a plan, loved ones may struggle to access important digital assets or face difficulties closing accounts. Taking a few steps now can provide clarity and security for the future, ensuring your digital presence is handled according to your wishes.

Decide What Happens to Your Online Accounts

Some people want their accounts memorialised, while others prefer deletion. Consider:

Social media: Do you want your Facebook or Instagram page to remain as a memorial; or should it be removed?
Emails & cloud storage: Should someone have access to your Gmail, iCloud, or OneDrive?
Online subscriptions & finances: Should digital payment accounts like PayPal or banking apps be closed or transferred?

Appoint a Trusted Digital Executor

A digital executor is someone you choose to handle your online accounts after passing. While not explicitly recognised under Kenyan Law, naming a trusted person and providing instructions can prevent confusion and account lockouts.

Use a Digital Vault or Secure Storage

Store login details, security questions, and instructions in a secure password manager or digital vault. This ensures your executor can manage your accounts without struggling to reset passwords or guess credentials.

Create a Digital Will

Your digital will (which could be incorporated into your will, it doesn't need to be separate) should outline what happens to your accounts, devices, and online assets. Include:

A list of accounts and what should be done with them.
Instructions on who should access files, emails, or financial accounts.
Any messages or posts you'd like shared after your passing.

Setting up these steps now can save your loved ones from additional stress during an already difficult time.