How to Secure Your Digital Legacy

What to Expect When You Walk Into a Funeral Home for the First Time

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:01:35 GMT

Guidance, reassurance, and what families should know during a difficult moment

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Donating to Science

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 23:25:00 GMT

Donating to Science

Medical researchers consider the human body a treasured gift. For that reason, some people choose to donate their bodies to science upon death.

There’s a wide array of reasons one might choose to donate his or her body to science. Perhaps a deceased woman was a doctor, or a researcher, and believes in the value of medical research on human cadavers. Or perhaps the deceased is uncomfortable with the notion of his body lying buried in the ground. Some feel that they will be helping their family by reducing funeral and burial costs. Others may consider donating the body a better choice than having it memorialized in a religious ceremony.

If a person has decided to donate his or her body, he or she should file paperwork with a donor program prior to death. These “donor requests” can be rescinded with a written request should the person change his mind. Some institutions will accept donated bodies without prior notice; others won’t. Therefore, it’s best to get in touch early with the institution you’d like to work with, to make sure your wishes can be carried out.

Donor programs are most commonly run by medical schools, who will often have staff members who specialize in handling the donation of a body. Rules and regulations vary by state and by institution — another reason to find out early what your intended donor requires.

In general, donor programs take in the body very soon after death. Without the appropriate paperwork, receipt of the body may be delayed or even declined. For this reason, most donor institutions recommend that the family have an alternate plan for funeral and burial arrangements. It’s simply too upsetting to find out a body isn’t eligible for donation, then have to scramble for a new arrangement.

As with many aspects of death and dying, a person contemplating anatomical donation should have some honest conversations with trusted family members. This decision may not be easy to accept, and addressing it during a time of peace is much healthier than waiting until death seems imminent.

A family member should notify the donor program immediately upon the person’s death. From that point, the donor program will pick up the body, embalm it to preserve it until the time of use, and will ultimately handle its cremation or return for burial after research has been completed. Institutions have varying standards on how and when the body will be used, but the time frame is generally less than two years. Typical uses range from general anatomical study to the development of surgical procedures.

There are a few major caveats for anyone considering donating his body to science:

Certain causes of death preclude an anatomical donation. Again, rules may vary, but these ailments often prevent a body from being accepted for donation: HIV and AIDS, hepatitis B or C, syphilis, kidney failure, certain severe infections, or extensive trauma.
If you have previously donated an organ, you may not be eligible to donate your body. This is because most researchers prefer to study the full body.
If the body is either extremely obese or extremely emaciated, it may be rejected.
Some institutions will decline the donation if the deceased person’s next of kin objects.

For some families, the donation of the body means the end of the proceedings. However, others may still choose to follow many of the rites and rituals of a more traditional funeral. It’s worth talking to a trusted clergy member or funeral director to see what the rules are for your culture or faith. In the past, leaders of Jewish, Catholic and Protestant communities have all voiced acceptance of anatomical donations, but again, rules may vary, and you don’t want to leave your loved ones with an unexpected battle.

If your family plans a service, some mourners may be confused by the absence of a body. You may want to deputize a few friends or family members to let people know that the deceased person has donated his or her body.

If a church’s rules prohibit holding a ceremony when a body is not present, the family may choose a private memorial or life celebration. Funeral professionals can help with this type of service. In addition, many medical institutions hold their own services to thank families and honor those who have chosen to donate their bodies to science.

Serving Families in Worcester With Compassion and Care

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 05:32:11 GMT

Worcester is more than the city we serve it is our home.

Worcester is more than the city we serve it is our home. It is where families are raised, traditions are passed down, and lives are deeply rooted in community. When a loss occurs, families are not just seeking services; they are seeking understanding, trust, and genuine care.

We are honored to serve the families of Worcester with compassion, dignity, and respect during life’s most difficult moments.

A commitment to personal care
Every family’s story is different. Every loss is unique. We take the time to listen, to understand, and to guide families at a pace that feels right for them. There is no pressure and no expectations only support and thoughtful care shaped around each family’s needs and wishes.

From simple services to deeply personalized tributes, our role is to help families honor their loved one in a way that feels meaningful and authentic.

Rooted in the Worcester community
Serving Worcester means serving neighbors, friends, and generations of families who have trusted us during times of loss. We understand the values, traditions, and diversity that make this city special. That understanding allows us to provide care that is not only professional, but personal.

Being part of this community means showing up not just when services are needed, but as a steady presence families can rely on.

Guidance when it matters most
Loss can feel overwhelming, especially when families are faced with unfamiliar decisions. We believe guidance should be clear, honest, and gentle. Families deserve to understand their options without confusion or pressure.

Our goal is to bring calm to difficult moments and clarity to complex decisions, allowing families the space to focus on remembering and honoring their loved one.

Care that extends beyond the service
Our commitment to families does not end when a service concludes. Grief continues long after the ceremonies are over, and support should not disappear when the doors close.

We remain available as a resource, a listening ear, and a place of comfort for families whenever they need it days, months, or even years later.

Serving with compassion and care
It is a privilege to serve the families of Worcester. The trust placed in us is never taken lightly. It guides everything we do and reminds us why compassion, patience, and dignity must always come first.

Serving families is not simply what we do. It is who we are.

Grief During the Holidays: When Celebrations Feel Heavy

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 05:15:16 GMT

Grief During the Holidays: When Celebrations Feel Heavy

The holidays are often described as a season of joy, togetherness, and tradition. Yet for many families who have lost a loved one, this time of year can feel painfully different. When someone is missing from the table, the silence can be louder than the music, and the memories can feel overwhelming.

If you are grieving during the holidays, please know this: there is nothing wrong with how you are feeling.

Why the holidays can be so hard
Holidays tend to magnify loss. Traditions that once brought comfort may now serve as reminders of what has changed. Familiar routines, special recipes, favorite songs, and family gatherings can all stir deep emotions. Even those who felt they were coping well may find grief resurfacing unexpectedly during this season.

Grief is not something that follows a calendar. It does not pause for holidays, nor does it follow a timeline.

Giving yourself permission
One of the most important things you can do is give yourself permission to grieve in your own way. You do not have to attend every gathering. You do not have to be cheerful. You do not have to explain yourself to anyone.

It is okay to say no.
It is okay to leave early.
It is okay to create new traditions or skip old ones altogether.

Some families find comfort in honoring their loved one during the holidays, while others find it easier to keep things simple. Both choices are valid.

Ways to honor a loved one during the holidays
For those who find comfort in remembrance, small gestures can feel meaningful without being overwhelming:

Lighting a candle in their memory
Setting out a photo or keepsake
Preparing a favorite dish they loved
Visiting a gravesite or special place
Sharing stories or memories quietly with family

There is no “right” way to remember someone. What matters is what feels right to you.

Supporting children through holiday grief
Children often experience grief differently, especially during the holidays. They may have moments of sadness mixed with play or laughter. Honest, age-appropriate conversations can help them feel safe expressing their emotions.

Let them know it is okay to feel sad, confused, or even happy at times. Grief does not mean forgetting, and moments of joy do not mean they loved the person any less.

Finding moments of peace
You may not feel joyful this holiday season, and that is okay. Instead of striving for happiness, consider focusing on moments of peace. A quiet walk, a warm cup of coffee, a few deep breaths, or simply resting can be enough.

Grief is love that has nowhere to go. Be gentle with yourself.

You are not alone
If the holidays feel especially heavy, please know that support is available. Funeral homes are not just here at the time of loss we remain here for families long after services have ended.

If you need a listening ear, resources, or guidance, we are always here to help.

5 Reasons to Write a Will

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 01:38:24 GMT

5 Reasons to Write a Will

Have you heard the story that’s been all over the news lately? A celebrity dies unexpectedly without a will. Lawsuits and family battles abound, leading to a never-ending probate process and a lasting stain on their legacy.

Even though it is common knowledge that wills are an important part of end of life planning, it’s not just celebrities who don’t get around to writing one. According to a recent survey, only 42% of U.S. adults currently have a will. With so few people in possession of this important document, it seems clear that no one likes to talk about death, and the task of writing a will is often postponed until “later.” This unfortunately leads to little or no conversation between families about preparing for the end until it inevitably arrives.

Everyone should have a will. If you need more convincing on why you should get started on one, here are 5 reasons to write a will:

Make your final wishes known - your current situation (young or old, rich or poor, sick or healthy) does not matter when it comes to documenting your final wishes. Plan ahead and take the time to think about what you want to happen when you die. Write out a comprehensive list and include with your will if necessary. Some items you’ll need to consider including are advance healthcare directives, specific funeral preferences, and estate planning decisions.
Select a legal guardian - if both parents die without naming a legal guardian to look after their children, this responsibility is left up to the courts. To avoid having the state decide who gets physical custody of your children, select a guardian and personally inform them of your decision before you make it officially known in your will. Choosing another person to raise your children is a difficult decision, but one that all parents must make as soon as they possibly can.
Appoint beneficiaries - even if you don’t own much in the way of assets, it still makes sense to choose beneficiaries of your estate. A will lets you declare who will receive your assets and property, when and how they will receive the specified items, and who will manage the distribution process. If you don’t name beneficiaries in your will the state determines how your estate should be divided, and this can turn out to be a legal nightmare for those you leave behind.
Get your affairs in order - writing a will forces you to get organized about your financial, legal, and familial responsibilities. For example, those with substantial property and estates may need to prepare a living trust in addition to a will - lawyers will be involved and family members may also ask to be included in the process. It’s important not to rush through this exercise - start planning early to avoid irreversible mistakes.
Ease the burden - writing a will helps ease the stress placed on your family after you die. Your will and end of life plan should include instructions for your funeral preferences and answer all questions regarding your estate distribution. Your loved ones can pay their last respects without worry, and having this peace of mind is a priceless gift they will always remember.

Medicaid Spenddowns: What Families Need to Know

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 01:34:42 GMT

Medicaid Spenddowns: What Families Need to Know

Medicaid can be a vital lifeline for older adults who need long-term care, especially when the cost of nursing homes or in-home care becomes overwhelming. However, qualifying for Medicaid often requires something called a “spenddown.” Many families aren’t familiar with the term until they’re suddenly faced with it. This guide explains what a spenddown is, what someone can legally spend their money on, and how to avoid mistakes that can cause delays or penalties.

What Is a Medicaid Spenddown?
A Medicaid spenddown is the process of reducing a person’s countable assets to the limit allowed by MassHealth, the Medicaid program in Massachusetts.
For a single individual applying for long-term-care Medicaid, the asset limit is generally low. If they have more than the allowable amount, they must “spend down” the excess before they can qualify.

It’s important to note:
A spenddown is not about getting rid of money to look poor. It’s about using assets appropriately and legally for the person’s benefit.

What Can Someone Spend Money On?
MassHealth allows applicants to use their own funds for goods and services that directly benefit them . Common and fully allowed spenddown expenses include:

• Funeral and burial plans (preneed arrangements and burial accounts)
• Outstanding bills and debts
• Medical bills, prescriptions, vision and dental care
• Home repairs or safety improvements (roofing, plumbing, accessibility modifications, appliances)
• Clothing, personal care items, and furniture
• Hearing aids, glasses, walkers, wheelchairs
• Rent or mortgage payments
• Legal fees related to estate or Medicaid planning
• Health insurance premiums
• Prepaying for future care or equipment they will need

These expenses are legitimate because they improve the applicant’s health, comfort, or safety.

Purchases MassHealth Does Not Allow
Some expenses will trigger penalties or delays if they look like a gift or transfer. Avoid:

• Giving money to family or friends
• Selling assets for less than fair market value
• Transferring a car or home to someone else
• Paying someone informally for caregiving without a written agreement
• Making donations or charitable gifts

MassHealth reviews the last 5 years of financial history for long-term-care applications, so improper transfers can be costly.

Funeral and Burial Spenddowns
One of the most overlooked and beneficial spenddown options is prepaying funeral arrangements. MassHealth allows fully prepaid, irrevocable funeral contracts.
Families often choose:

• Burial or cremation services
• Casket or urn
• Outer burial container
• Cemetery expenses (if paid directly)
• Memorial merchandise and cash advances held in trust

This protects the applicant’s eligibility and removes emotional and financial burdens from the family later.

Spenddown Tips to Avoid Delays
• Keep all receipts, invoices, and contracts.
• Use checks or bank-verified payments—avoid cash.
• Keep spending tied to the person’s needs.
• Consult an elder-law attorney if there are major assets involved.
• Do not wait until the last minute—processing times are slow.

Why Spenddowns Matter
When handled properly, a Medicaid spenddown helps individuals qualify for essential care while improving their quality of life. Families often feel relieved knowing the money was used to support their loved one instead of becoming a penalty later.

If you or someone you care about has questions about preplanning funeral arrangements as part of a Medicaid spenddown, guidance is available. Understanding the rules now can prevent expensive mistakes and provide peace of mind when it matters most.

Essential Funeral Flowers Etiquette

Mon, 19 May 2025 05:20:32 GMT

Essential Funeral Flowers Etiquette

Sending flowers for a funeral is the most common way to honor the recently deceased, especially if you are outside their immediate family. Flowers have been used to celebrate life for centuries, but there remain social norms which won’t be obvious to those who are not familiar with funerals. That’s why we’ve collected our top tips to make this easier for you!

Flowers for the casket are usually chosen by the immediate family of the deceased, if you are more of a distant relative or friend, it may be more appropriate to send a smaller arrangement, plant, or to place a wreath at the graveside.

In terms of etiquette, business associates may send flowers to the office of the recently deceased in remembrance. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers to the home, funeral or church service.

There are various types of floral arrangements including:

Casket Sprays and Interior Casket Flowers are usually chosen by the immediate family
Standing Sprays often also chosen by the family to decorate the church
Wreaths can be for the casket or displayed on a stand or placed on the grave.
Simple Sprays can be sent by friends and relatives and placed around the coffin or on the grave.

For a traditional look, you might choose from lilies, roses, or gladioli. Snapdragons, stock, larkspur, and carnations are also commonly popular. Casual flowers such as daisies and sunflowers are used less frequently. When it comes to flower choice, always consider if the deceased had any favorites since these should be first choice. If you’re honoring someone who loved tulips, ask your local florist specifically to include them in your arrangement.

When sending flowers to the church, crematorium or funeral home, it is best if they can be delivered on the day of the funeral. Flowers sent to the funeral should be addressed to the funeral home, church or crematorium itself and make sure you include the name of the deceased.

If you would like to hear more about what flowers we recommend for whatever ceremony you have planned, give us a call at 508-754-0486 and we can discuss our top suggestions.

How to Help Children Understand Death

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 23:21:40 GMT

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When a child experiences loss, what should you say? Children will ask questions like, “Where did grandpa go?” and “What happens when people die?” Studies have shown that allowing children participation in the bereavement process is helpful for their overall understanding and healing. Attending a funeral or burial of a loved one is part of the ritual that helps children, as well as adults. Speaking openly to a child, in appropriate ways for their age, actually helps children.

Children are often afraid of what death feels like, or what would happen if a parent dies. “Does death hurt?” they may ask. When a child brings up the subject of death before a death has occurred, it’s important for parents to have an open and honest discussion at the child’s stage of development. Experts have found it helpful to bring home a book or two on loss – whether people or pets – to help the child’s understanding if they bring up the subject before a real death. When a loss actually occurs, many resources including excellent books written and illustrated in a way children understand, products, and online resources are available. In this newsletter, we’ll provide some of our top picks to help get you started.

Losing a Pet is Often Child’s First Loss

Sometimes the first loss a child experiences is that of a pet – such as their beloved Goldfish, small animal or family pet. This presents an excellent opportunity to help a child begin understanding the natural process of death, and what to do with their feelings. Ben Riggin, CEO of PawPods, states, “We wanted to help children understand the process of death through what is often their first loss – a pet goldfish. We created a small FishPod, which is a tiny casket for pet fish that can be buried in a backyard. Children can paint the fish’ name on the pod, take part in a miniature version of a burial, and plant the heart seedling packet on top of the little grave.” The FishPod is is being used as a teaching aid by parents to help their child or children understand death, often before a more significant loss occurs in their family.

When an important person or pet has died, it’s important to understand that children process what is said to them. If they are told, “They went away,” a child may have an open question in their mind that the person or pet may return. There are many ways to explain to a child what has happened so they gradually come to understand that there will be no return. In the resources we’ve provided below, you will find many specific answers on how and what to say. The problem of grieving is that it’s an affair of the heart, and is often a private one at that. In the case of a child, it’s important for their own healing to help open up and talk about the loss. The books below will help you do that.
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite children and caregivers’ books. Keep in mind there are dozens of other excellent choices, if you wish to look further. Each of the Links will take you to the page where you can read reviews and take a look at the book. We hope you find our picks useful.

Our Top Book Picks to Help Children With Grief, Loss and Bereavement

(With Direct Links to each Amazon page for ordering, reading reviews and sneak peeks inside each book):

The Elephant in the Living Room, Amanda Edwards & Leslie Ponciano, Published 2014
Find it here: http://amzn.to/1yGTEpt
Sad Isn’t Bad: A Good-Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing with Loss, Michaelene Mundy & R. W. Alley, Paperback – Published 2006
Find it here: http://amzn.to/1rybYva
I Miss You: A First Look at Death, Pat Thomas & Leslie Harker, Published 2001
Find it here: http://amzn.to/1nO9KMN
When Your Grandparent Dies: A Child’s Guide to Good Grief, Victoria Ryan & R. W. Alley, Published 2002
Find it here: http://amzn.to/1wAic2R
Help Me Say Goodbye: Activities for Helping Kids Cope when Someone Special Dies, Janis Silverman, Published 1999
Find it here: http://amzn.to/1xBKbhL

Our Top Product Pick for Teaching Children About Pet Loss:

Eco and Environmentally Friendly FishPod, or other animal PawPod, (FishPod is under $10)
Find it here: http://PawPods.com Our Top Picks for Caregivers to Learn How to Help Children:

(With Direct Links to each Amazon page for ordering, reading reviews and sneak peeks inside each book):

Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children, Bryan Mellonie & Ingpen, Paperback – Published 1983
Find it here: http://amzn.to/ZZD1sx
Healing a Child’s Grieving Heart: 100 Practical Ideas for Family, Friends and Caregivers, Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D., -- Published 2001
Find it here: http://amzn.to/1FTxjJX
How Do We Tell the Children? A Step-by-Step Guide for Helping Children Cope When Someone Dies, Dan Schaefer, Christine Lyons, and David Peretz, -- Published 2010
Find it here: http://amzn.to/1wKnlIh

Confessions of a Funeral Director

Mfarrow@mercadantefuneral.com (Michael Farrow) — Thu, 02 May 2024 08:52:42 GMT

Confessions of a Funeral Director

Death is gross. Much like the process of giving birth, there are sights, sounds, and smells that our bodies make, which are not intended for the faint of heart. And much like birth, there is a sweeping sense of relief when the process is over. A new reality has been created, and the former life will never be reclaimed. That’s where I come in.

You look familiar to me when we meet for the first time at the funeral home, and I quickly realize it’s because you look like your mother. I never got to meet her in life, but I picked her up from the hospital and she’s resting safely in my prep room. I greet you with a smile, and say that I’m sorry to meet you under these circumstances. As we get further into the arrangements I’m asking you to make permanent decisions with very short notice. Decisions like the last items of clothing she will ever wear. Whether or not her wedding ring should stay with her. Things that cannot be changed next week, or next year. I’m also flooding you with information while you are in a state of shock. I do my best to repeat things two or three times, trying to make deadlines and other important information stick through the fog you are experiencing.

Then there are the things I cannot control, which will still ultimately affect your experience with me. Perhaps your selected minister is out of town, or the cemetery simply isn’t available on the day you’ve already selected in your mind for services. There are disappointments that you rebound from quickly, and others that will be more difficult to overcome. Maybe her death was due to some sort of trauma, and the circumstances around her death will ultimately make her unviewable. This means I have to be the one to tell you that you will not get a chance to say goodbye to her body in person.

After our arrangements are finalized, you leave with a list of items that I need you to review (or collect) and return to me within a specific time frame. This is where my stress truly begins. Your family will definitely turn everything in on time! However there are some that I have to chase, play phone-tag with, basically beg to get items or information to me. And, sometimes they push right up to the deadline or ignore it all together, forcing me into a corner. The most frequent offenders here are obituaries and items for the program. Funeral programs done in-house take relatively little time, however if you’ve selected a special one made by another company there is no going back if a misspelling or inaccurate information is printed. These programs typically arrive hours before the service starts, and there is no way to fix them in time for the service. Similarly with obituaries, if we are past the deadline set by the newspaper, there is nothing I can do to add the name of a grandchild that was accidentally omitted. That sort of thing can cause a family feud that lasts for years.

I also will be hands on with preparing your mother for viewing. The embalming process always starts with a bath. This will both clean and sanitize her. Any medical devices left from her hospital stay will be removed. We will close her eyes and shut her mouth, doing our best to form a natural smile. Then a chemical mixture will be injected through her circulatory system to aid in the preservation of her body. I watch for color changes under her nail beds, her face, and her legs to show me that the chemicals are reaching every part of her body. Once the process is successfully completed, an assistant and I work together to get her dressed. Thankfully the clothing you provided is a little loose, and has long sleeves. Bruising from the IVs the hospital put in her arms can be easily hidden by clothing. The use of cosmetics to hide them is much more difficult, as there is such a large area of skin, and once you start you generally have to cover the whole arm and hand to make skin tones match. I paint her nails as my assistant starts to style her hair (not my strong suit). Final touches include cosmetizing her face and placing the jewelry you provided. Once she is ready we use a body lift to place her in the casket you selected. She is ready.

Within about a week, our time together is at an end. I have completed the funeral arrangements, and sent you on your way with the certified death certificates. We joke as you leave that we both hope it’s a long time until we have to see each other again. Statistically speaking it will be several years before you experience another family death, requiring my services. However, as we are both active members of our community it is much more likely that we will run into each other at the grocery store, or a restaurant, probably some place where you don’t particularly want to be reminded of your mother’s death. I am aware that I may represent memories that you don’t care to revisit, and will follow your lead in these instances. I would never want to make you uncomfortable.

And then you’re out the door, our business completed, and I’m off to hunt down an obituary from one of my other families, the deadline is in 2 hours.

Exploring Cremation Myths and Misconceptions

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 04:49:14 GMT

Cremation Myths Debunked

While cremation is fast growing in popularity, there remain many points of confusion about everything from the process itself down to what to do with the cremated remains. The purpose of this series is to dispel those rumors and shine some light on the many possibilities for cremation and paying tribute to the life of a loved one.

"How do I know I've actually received the correct remains?"
From the very start, when the body is picked up it's identified with either a tag or a metal coin that is constantly checked and verified all along the transportation process. Every time the body moves locations the tag is checked, right up until the start of the cremation process itself.

Secondly, space being a premium in a cremation chamber means that multiple people are usually not even possible, and if possible is typically illegal without written consent. To maintain the oven, it must be cleaned and maintained regularly, which means that after each process there is nothing left behind from previous processes.

"I don't know what to do with an urn."
Funeral homes offer a wide selection of urns that range from simple and clean to ornate and detailed so you can choose what fits you or your loved one's style. There are even 3D printed options that can create miniature versions of a favorite car or place for a one-of-a-kind memorial.

For those who prefer something even more unique, consider permanent placement in a cemetery or mausoleum or creating a memorial keepsake. Keepsakes can help you feel continually connected to a departed loved one and preserve their memory in a more physical way. For example, a small amount of remains can be placed within a piece of keepsake jewelry, a small keepsake urn, or even a plush teddy bear.

Give us a call at 508-754-0486 to learn more about our keepsake and other memorialization options.

"Fire and the cremation process seem too violent."
The modern cremation process is quick, clean, and the deceased is treated with the utmost respect and care throughout the process. The body is exposed to extreme heat in a specially designed furnace which reduces it to gases and bone fragments. The fragments are then carefully placed in an electric processor, which converts them to the remains that are returned to the family. These several stages take approximately three hours, depending on if there is casket or other memorabilia involved. The cremated remains are gently removed from the cremation chamber, after which it is transferred to a receptacle.

There are also new options, like alkaline hydrolysis (or aquamation), which uses water to reduce the body to its most basic elements.

Want even more information? Give us a call at 508-754-0486 to review your cremation options.

Securing your Digital Legacy

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 05:43:18 GMT

Securing your Digital Legacy

Most people understand the need to protect their physical assets and property when they die, and take the necessary steps to write a last will and testament and appoint a trustee or executor to manage their estate according to their final wishes. Of equal importance in these modern times is the growing need to secure one’s digital estate in the same manner. Your digital assets, which include personal websites, email accounts, social media profiles, etc., don’t just disappear after death. If you don’t want the “online” you to live on forever, you should create a plan to secure your digital legacy.

A digital legacy plan
Protecting your digital estate is not as simple as passing on a list of usernames and passwords to a trusted friend or family member. The first part of creating a digital legacy plan involves detailing all the electronic accounts and apps you use, and then documenting how you want each one to be handled. These digital accounts could include:

Email accounts
Social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter)
Communication apps (Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime)
Financial service sites (banking, trading, retirement/savings)
Shopping sites (Amazon, Ebay, brand stores)
Entertainment accounts (Netflix, Hulu, Cable TV)

The list can go on and on depending on how extensive your digital life is. Once you have a plan, select a “digital executor” who will be responsible for managing, protecting, distributing, and preserving your online assets. Consider some of the questions that will arise:

What should happen to your personal email accounts?
Do you want to memorialize or deactivate your Facebook and/or other social media profiles?
Who gets final access to your pictures/images stored on photo sharing sites?
What happens to your personal information in medical accounts or health apps?
How will you distribute any rewards/points on frequent flier or travel accounts?

Choosing a digital executor
Selecting the right person as executor of your digital domain can be a difficult task. The digital executor needs to be technically savvy, as well as sensitive to the security needs of your electronic estate and the confidential nature of the task. Not everyone will fit this description, so choose carefully.

The digital executor also needs to be aware of state laws governing access to a person’s digital assets. The

“Revised Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act”, completed by the Uniform Law Commission and currently enacted in 35 states, allows fiduciaries or executors to manage digital property like computer files, web domains, and virtual currency, but restricts access to electronic communications such as email, text messages, and social media accounts unless the original user consented in a will, trust, power of attorney, or other record. If you already have a will, you can add on your digital legacy plan to ensure you are in accordance with the law and that your executor adheres to all state requirements.

Securing your digital legacy is just as important as having a plan to protect your physical assets and estate when you die, so take the time to include your digital estate in your end of life decision-making process. It will give you and your family much-needed peace of mind when the time comes.