In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap sits down with estate planning attorney John Heck to explore one of the fastest-growing challenges in law and business: how to manage digital assets in estate planning.

From cryptocurrency keys to social media accounts, John shares practical advice and legal insights on protecting your online presence and ensuring your heirs can access valuable (and sentimental) digital property.

Key topics discussed:

• What counts as a digital asset in estate planning (crypto, NFTs, social accounts, online data).
• Why passwords, private keys, and digital wallets create unique legal challenges.
• How to use crypto wallets, safes, and backups to protect digital wealth.
• Estate planning for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Apple accounts.
• The role of the Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (2017).
• Setting up legacy contacts on Facebook and Apple to simplify future access.
• How to handle multi-state and international laws on digital assets.
• Can heirs continue a deceased influencer’s social media business?
• Why it’s critical to review your estate plan regularly as digital assets fluctuate in value.

John emphasizes that planning isn’t just about wealth—it’s about preserving memories, protecting privacy, and ensuring your legacy lives on.

🔗 Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Facebook Legacy Contact Settings
• Apple Legacy Contact Guide