Electronic Data and On-Line Information Is of Increasing Importance During Estate Planning

It has been estimated that over 90% of all business information today is created electronically. Use of social networking websites, such as Facebook, on-line photography accounts like Flicker, e-mail passwords and word processing files, is increasingly more common.

Various media commentators have addressed the need for individuals to consider their electronic data and on-line postings in conjunction with their estate planning. For example, the New York Times Magazine published a substantial article relating to this topic in its January 9, 2011 edition. Yet, because the rise of digital information is a relatively new phenomenon, many people have not yet fully considered or developed their plans for handling their electronic data and on-line profiles after death, or taken steps to minimize potential disputes about such items that could arise after death.