In the digital age, your smartphone holds more than just messages and photos—it may be a key piece of your legacy. That’s why Apple introduced the Legacy Contact feature for iPhone users. This tool allows you to designate a trusted individual who can access your Apple account and data in the event of your death.
As estate planning attorneys, we often help clients plan for their tangible and financial assets. But what about the digital ones? Think of the memories stored in iCloud, important contacts, and even critical personal data linked to your Apple ID. Without a Legacy Contact, your loved ones may face barriers accessing your digital footprint, even with proper legal documentation.
Here’s what you should do:
- Set up your Legacy Contact on your iPhone under Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Legacy Contact.
- Share the Access Key with your chosen contact—and store a copy with your estate planning documents.
This small step ensures your digital assets are as thoughtfully planned for as your physical ones. Including the access key with your will, trust binder, or other estate planning materials makes sure your loved ones won’t be scrambling in a difficult time.
We recommend discussing digital estate planning at your next review. It’s one more way to give your family peace of mind.
Need help integrating digital tools like Legacy Contact into your estate plan? We’re here to guide you.