I’d appreciate if the issue of digital assets could be explained more fully.

Written by admin on February 2, 2015

1. I’d appreciate if the issue of digital assets could be explained more fully. Thanks!

When you are thinking about personal planning, it is important to consider both access to and ownership of “digital” services and assets.  This may include accounts to on-line services such as banking and utilities (Hydro, gas) as well as Internet and cell phone accounts. Assets include digital music and books as well as income from web sites, video channels, and other web based businesses.

Information about these accounts will greatly assist your attorney and representative. This same list will also be of value to an executor of your Will.

The Personal Planning Registry has a type of registration called the Personal Information Record where you can indicate the name of the provider for the service or asset and whether the account is digital. There is also a specific field where you can list various online services. You can update any entries in your Personal Information Record at any time—there is no fee to update.

Having a list of user names and passwords for each of the accounts is also especially useful but you should not enter this type of information in the Personal Information Record or keep it on your computer or mobile device. You could make a paper copy and keep it in a safety deposit box or use an online service that offers extra encryption protection. One free online service you might want to investigate is called Password Safe.

You will still need to determine how to give someone access to your safety deposit box or your ‘password safe’ account in case they need to deal with your digital assets and services on your behalf because of incapability or death.

RON USHER
B.Sc., J.D., RI
General Counsel, The Society of Notaries Public of BC
Adjunct Professor MA Applied Legal Studies Program, Simon Fraser University

RESOURCES

Personal Information Fact Sheet

Registry FAQ

Nidus partnered with BC Courthouse Libraries to raise awareness about BC’s essential legal planning documents and the Nidus Registry. The kick off event was held on September 15th at the Vancouver Public Library Central Branch with a panel of experts in the field. Questions that were submitted will be answered in a series of posts by Nidus and various panel members. To see photos from the event click Gallery; and click Registry Sing-a-long for the fun of it!