Digital Estate Decoded: Essential Glossary for Executors and Planners

# Digital Estate Decoded: Essential Glossary for Executors and Planners The world of digital legacy planning is filled with specialist terminology that can overwhelm even the most prepared executor. This comprehensive glossary breaks down the key terms you'll encounter when managing a digital estate. ## Core Digital Estate Terms ### Digital Asset Any online account, file, cryptocurrency, domain name, or digital property that has value—monetary, sentimental, or functional. This includes email accounts, social media profiles, cloud storage, streaming subscriptions, and online banking. ### Digital Estate The complete collection of an individual's digital assets, including accounts, files, subscriptions, and online presence. Think of it as the digital equivalent of a physical estate. ### Digital Legacy Contact A person designated by the account holder (while alive) to manage their account after death. Major platforms like Facebook, Apple, and Google offer this feature under different names (Legacy Contact, Digital Legacy Contact, Inactive Account Manager). ### Fiduciary Access The legal right of an executor, trustee, or agent to access and manage someone's digital assets. Laws like the UK's Electronic Communications Privacy Act and the US RUFADAA govern this access. ## Legal and Probate Terms ### Grant of Probate The official court document that gives executors the legal authority to administer an estate. Most tech companies (especially US-based) will not engage with you until this is issued, regardless of what the Will states. ### Letters of Administration Similar to a Grant of Probate but issued when the deceased did not leave a Will. The court appoints an administrator to manage the estate. ### Personal Representative The umbrella term for anyone legally authorized to manage a deceased person's estate—whether named in a Will (executor) or appointed by the court (administrator). ### Terms of Service (ToS) The legal agreement between a user and a digital service provider. Many ToS agreements prohibit sharing login credentials, even with family, which is why official bereavement processes exist. ## Security and Access Terms ### Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) An extra layer of security requiring both a password and a secondary verification (usually a code sent to a phone or authenticator app). This can complicate estate access if the deceased's phone is inaccessible. ### Password Manager Software that securely stores login credentials for multiple accounts. If the deceased used one (like LastPass, 1Password, or SecureVault), it may provide a central key to their digital life. ### Master Password The single password that unlocks a password manager. Without it, individual account credentials may be unrecoverable. ### Recovery Key A backup code or cryptographic key that can restore access to an account or encrypted data. Often generated during account setup and meant to be stored offline. ## Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Terms ### Hot Wallet A cryptocurrency wallet connected to the internet, typically on an exchange (Coinbase, Binance) or mobile app. Easier to access but requires account credentials. ### Cold Wallet (Hardware Wallet) An offline device (like Ledger or Trezor) that stores cryptocurrency keys. Provides maximum security but requires both the physical device and its PIN or seed phrase to access funds. ### Seed Phrase (Recovery Phrase) A series of 12-24 words that can restore access to a cryptocurrency wallet. Losing this phrase often means permanent loss of funds—it cannot be reset like a password. ### Private Key The cryptographic code that proves ownership of cryptocurrency. Unlike bank accounts, there's no "forgot password" option—if the key is lost, the funds are typically unrecoverable. ## Platform-Specific Processes ### Inactive Account Manager (Google) Google's system for designating trusted contacts and specifying what happens to your account after a period of inactivity. Can be configured to share data or delete the account. ### Memorialization (Facebook/Instagram) The process of converting a deceased person's profile into a memorial page. Managed by a Legacy Contact if one was designated, or by verified immediate family members. ### Bereavement Portal A dedicated submission process for reporting a death to a tech company. Most major platforms (Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft) have specific forms requiring death certificates and proof of executor authority. ### Account Recovery Request The formal process of requesting access to a deceased person's account data. Usually requires legal documentation (death certificate, Grant of Probate) and proof of relationship or executor status. ## Continuity Planning Terms ### Continuity Verification Loop A three-tier system (used by platforms like SecureVault) that monitors user activity, sends escalating verification prompts, and—if unresponsive—initiates trusted contact notification. More sophisticated than a simple "dead man's switch." ### Dead Man's Switch A mechanism that automatically triggers an action (like sending messages or releasing passwords) if the user fails to check in within a specified period. ### Trusted Contact A person pre-designated to receive information or access in the event of the account holder's death or incapacity. Different from an executor—a trusted contact is chosen by the user and verified before any crisis occurs. ### Digital Vault Encrypted storage for sensitive documents and information (like account credentials, final wishes, or important files) meant to be released to trusted contacts under specific conditions. ## Document Types ### Letter of Wishes A non-binding document that provides guidance to executors about how the deceased wanted their estate handled. Unlike a Will, it's not legally enforceable but offers valuable context. ### Digital Asset Inventory A comprehensive list of all digital accounts, their purposes, and (ideally) how to access or close them. The digital equivalent of listing physical property in an estate. ### Blockchain Timestamp A cryptographic proof that a document existed at a specific point in time, recorded on a public blockchain. Used to verify that instructions or wishes weren't altered after creation. ## Action-Oriented Terms ### Estate Freeze The period immediately after death when assets are secured but not yet distributed. For digital assets, this might involve contacting platforms to prevent unauthorized access. ### Account Closure Request A formal request to permanently delete a deceased person's account. Some platforms require this; others allow memorialization as an alternative. ### Data Download Request A request for a copy of the deceased's account data. Many platforms (especially under GDPR in the UK/EU) allow executors to download photos, messages, and documents. --- ## Ready to Protect Your Digital Legacy? Understanding these terms is the first step toward comprehensive digital estate planning. SecureVault.life provides the tools to organize your digital assets, designate trusted contacts, and ensure your wishes are carried out—all with bank-level security. 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