SOCIAL MEDIA WILLS

My son cuts me off any time I bring up the subject of how to handle certain matters once I've passed on, but even though he refuses to discuss it, everything is written down in an envelope just for him.

A good example is what happens to your social media accounts once you or someone you know dies? This is particularly important with authors, bloggers, entertainers and others who have a significant on-line presence.  I don't know who came up with the idea, but it's a good one.

1.  Create a Social Media Will and designate someone you know and trust to take care of your accounts.

2.  Be sure to have a copy of the death certificate to show proof of death to websites as needed.

3.  This person would be responsible for being up to date on privacy notices, passwords and general access to the accounts, so it would be helpful to print out a listing or picture of each account.  You'd be surprised how many e-mail accounts some people have and may have even forgotten about.

4.  Decide if these accounts should be immediately deleted upon death, or to allow a specific time for friends and family to visit and make comments.  In some instances, many websites may allow visitors, but no new comments can be added.

5.  Finally, don't be afraid to bring this subject up.

6.  Visit the site below, and click on the area allowing you to download an example of a will for your records and you're all set.

Thanks to Consumer Action for their tips.

www.usa.gov/topics/money/personal-finance/wills.shtml