Social media is a large part of our lives today, and billions of people all over the globe have social media accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. While these accounts can be a great way to keep up with friends and family and even share your thoughts with the world, have you ever considered what happens to these accounts after the owner’s death?
Keep reading below to learn more about what happens to social media accounts after death and how you can plan for the future of your accounts. An experienced estate planning attorney in Tulsa can help you incorporate your social media accounts into a comprehensive estate plan so that your wishes are carried out after your passing.
Are Social Media Accounts Removed After Someone’s Death?
No, social media accounts are generally not automatically removed or deleted after someone’s death. However, family members (and sometimes close friends) may have the option to remove or memorialize an account after the owner’s death (see Facebook example).
Closing the account will permanently remove it from the social media platform, while memorializing the account will leave it open but prevent future activity and messages.
Deciding What to Do With a Loved One’s Social Media Accounts
After the passing of a loved one, you might be wondering how to handle their social media accounts. Some social media platforms give you the option to either delete or memorialize a deceased loved one’s account.
First, you should try to find all the social media platforms that your loved one was using. Different platforms often have different options and different processes for removing or memorializing an account.
Next, you should consider removing any private or sensitive information from the account. Social media can sometimes be a way for identity thieves to access information, so keeping this type of private information protected is crucial. Inactive accounts are frequently a big target for hackers.
Finally, go through the social media accounts and take time to look through their posts, photos, and other information. Save anything that you want to be able to look back on in the future. Removing a social media account is permanent, so all of this information could be gone forever once the account is removed.
If you have questions about how a loved one's social media accounts should be handled as part of their estate, an estate planning lawyer can help guide you through the process.
Planning For Your Social Media’s Future After Your Passing
Many modern estate plans include information about handling social media accounts after the owner’s death. Many states, including Oklahoma, have passed laws that give estate executors and administrators the authority to take control of or terminate a deceased person’s social media accounts (Oklahoma Statutes §58-269).
Today, a comprehensive estate plan generally includes a plan for your social media accounts. These accounts are sometimes handled through a power of attorney during the owner’s lifetime or through wills and other estate documents after their death.
An experienced estate planning attorney in Tulsa can help you understand all your legal rights when it comes to planning for the future of your social media accounts.
Contact a Tulsa Estate Planning Lawyer at Helton Law Firm
At Helton Law Firm, our estate planning attorneys can help you put plans in place to make sure that your digital assets are handled according to your wishes after your death.
Contact an estate planning lawyer in Tulsa today at (918) 928-7104 to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about how we can help.