A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog post about the importance of securing your digital assets in your estate plan. This week, I stumbled upon a new Facebook feature that will further help you preserve your digital assets.
Legacy Contact is the new Facebook function that allows users of the social network to authorize another person to access and modify their accounts after they pass away. This gives the chosen individual the ability to update your profile picture, write a post to be displayed on the memorialized page, and download an archive of your photos, posts, and profile information for safekeeping. Your Legacy Contact is even given permission to permanently delete your account if that is your wish.
Though the idea seems somewhat morbid, this new system makes it much easier for family members or friends to take care of your Facebook account. These types of accounts often feature some of our most sentimental and important pictures, videos, letters, and memories. Ultimately, this tool is for the people you care about in your life to be able to cherish your memory. Your passing will be hard on everyone, but giving loved ones the ability to memorialize your account or delete it may help bring them closure. Below are the steps on how to set up this feature.
- Log in to your Facebook account
- Go to your Account Settings > Security > Legacy Contact
- Type in the name of the individual you would like to designate as your Legacy Contact
- At this time, you will have the option to send a message to this person alerting them that they have been selected. If you decide to forego the message, they will be notified by Facebook once the company becomes aware of your passing.
- Lastly, select whether your will grant permission for your Legacy Contact to archive your data and if you wish to have your account deleted.
At Tiveron Law, we understand the concerns our clients may have regarding their own care, as well as the special worries clients have when they are overseeing the care of a loved one. Our Estate Planning & Elder Law team utilizes a comprehensive approach to meet the individualized needs of our clients. We work with a variety of resources, legal tools, and techniques to meet the goals and objectives of our clients and their families. Call us to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members today at 716-636-7600.