When New Jerseyans Die, What Becomes of Digital Assets?

Allan C. Bell, Chair of the Sills Cummis & Gross Trusts and Estates Practice Group, was interviewed for this article discussing digital assets in today’s trusts and estates practice.

“For some, it’s almost like these are family heirlooms,” he said. “These are assets that hold significant emotional value, such as photos or online family histories. Right now, I’ve had more experience with that than assets of significant monetary value.”

The article also stated, “Outside of the collections of books, music or other content that the decedent may have purchased online, Bell said it’s conceivable that an online domain or other accounts for services in a person’s name carry a hefty business value.”  Bell also stressed “the importance of people thinking about what to do with their online presence — whether deleting or saving accounts — and considering adding language in wills to that end.”