You web browser may not be properly supported. To use this site and all its features we recommend using the latest versions of Chrome, Safari or Firefox

Call 1800 444 141
 No Win - No Fee*

If you are looking for information on Westpac CCI class action click here

Facebook has announced they are adding a Legacy Contact to the platform, where you can ask a family member or friend to manage your account when you pass away.

Rolling out the feature in the US first, Facebook says that once someone lets them know that a person has passed away, they will memorialise the account which will enable the legacy contact to:

  • Write a post to display at the top of the memorialised account
  • Respond to requests from friends and family members who may not have been connected on Facebook; and
  • Update the profile picture and cover letter

The legacy contact won’t be able to log in as the user, but they will be able to download an archive of information, including pictures and posts that were publicly shared.

Alternatively, people can let Facebook know if they’d prefer to have the account permanently deleted after death.

Facebook have realised that grieving families and friends wanted more of a say in what happens to user’s accounts after they pass away.

Find out how to choose a legacy contact on Facebook’s blog.

Leave your social media wishes in your Will

Just like physical assets such as books, records and photo albums, the information we store online and what happens to it after death has become an interesting legal issue for estate planning lawyers.

With millions of people on social media, an enormous amount of content is now stored online. Our virtual world has a much greater impact on our lives and it’s time to consider what happens to that content beyond our lifetime.

It is anticipated that other social media platforms will follow Facebook and Google’s lead, but it’s still important that you include provisions for social media and digital assets in your wills.

Here are some tips on how to protect your digital legacy.

  • Review the ‘deceased user’ policies of each social media and email platform you use
  • Plan how you want each account dealt with once you pass away
  • See a legal expert to prepare a Will which includes instructions on how you want your digital profiles dealt with
  • Don’t limit your wishes to specific current social media platforms

The contents of this blog post are considered accurate as at the date of publication. However the applicable laws may be subject to change, thereby affecting the accuracy of the article. The information contained in this blog post is of a general nature only and is not specific to anyone’s personal circumstances. Please seek legal advice before acting on any of the information contained in this post.

Thank you for your feedback.

Related blog posts

Estate Planning
Bob Hawke’s daughter challenges will for larger piece of his estate

Just two months after former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke passed away, it has been revealed his daughter is preparing to sue his second wife over her share of the will. According to media reports this week, Mr Hawke left each of his children $750,000 through his will. But it is also alleged he left the rest of his estate to his second wife. Now, Mr Hawke’s daughter is gearing up for a legal battle to claim a share of her father’s estate. While everyone has a right to make a will leaving their estate to whomever they chose, wills may be challenged once a person has passed away. This legal option is made available generally to family members to ensure that those in need of...

Gettyimages 72381782 Resized Blog

by Slater and Gordon

Estate Planning
Avoiding 'Cat Fights' in Estate Litigation

With Karl Lagerfeld’s cat set to inherit a fortune, we are reminded of the need to be cautious to avoid “cat fights” in estate litigation. When the news of Karl Lagerfeld’s death broke, thoughts soon turned to the artistic designer’s beloved cat, Choupette. Choupette is said to have two personal maids, be fed from silver dishes and enjoy a luxurious grooming regime. It comes with no surprise that Lagerfeld described Choupette as a "rich girl" and "heiress" in interviews. While the contents of Lagerfeld’s Will has not yet been revealed to the public, Vogue estimates that the estate is worth over $380 million. It has been rumored for a number of years that Choupette is set to...

Rich Cat Resized For Blog

by Slater and Gordon

Estate Planning
Do you need Testamentary Discretionary Trusts? The what, why, who, how

What is the best way to provide for your partner, spouse, children or loved ones when you die? The answer may be a Testamentary Discretionary Trust (TDT). TDTs can offer significant advantages for beneficiaries and can last for generations. Trusts are a structure for management and distribution of assets. There are four main roles in a trust, including the: A Testamentary Discretionary Trust is a trust set up by your Will. TDTs are a valuable estate planning tool used to maximise flexibility, protect beneficiaries and minimise tax implications. They are especially useful where you have a vulnerable beneficiary who has a disability, is at risk of financial stressors such as a family...

Signing Contractblog

by Slater and Gordon

View more blog posts

We're here to help. Make an enquiry now.

If you have a question, want some more information or would just like to speak to someone, make an enquiry now and our Wills team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

Call us on 1800 444 141