Digital Assets in Alberta — Do They Belong in Your Will?

Modern life leaves behind more than family heirlooms and financial accounts - it also leaves a vast trail of digital assets. From social media profiles and online banking to cryptocurrency and cloud storage, these assets hold real and sentimental value. Yet, many Albertans overlook them when preparing a will.

This guide from the Wills & Estates team at Libra Law explains what digital assets are, how Alberta’s estate laws apply to them, and how you can protect them through proper estate planning.

What Are Digital Assets?

Digital assets include any electronic record or account that holds monetary, informational, or emotional value. Common examples include:

• Online bank and investment accounts
  
• Cryptocurrency wallets such as Bitcoin or Ethereum
  
• Email and social media accounts like Google, Facebook, or LinkedIn
  
• Cloud storage files and digital photos
  
• Domain names, blogs, and digital intellectual property
  
• Online memberships, loyalty programs, or subscription accounts
  

These assets often contain sensitive information or personal memories - and without clear legal instructions, accessing them after death can become complex or impossible.

How Alberta Law Treats Digital Assets

Under Alberta’s Wills and Succession Act, digital assets are considered part of your estate if they have identifiable ownership or monetary value. However, the real challenge lies in access and control.

Most digital platforms are governed by user agreements that restrict access, even for executors. For instance, social media or cloud service providers may refuse to release login information without explicit consent from the deceased.

That means even if your executor is legally entitled to your estate, they might not have the technical authority to manage your online presence unless your will and supporting documents specifically allow it. The Enduring Power of Attorney in Alberta is another document that can help ensure someone you trust can act on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

Why Digital Assets Belong in Your Will

Including digital assets in your estate plan ensures that your executor can:

• Access, manage, or delete accounts in accordance with your wishes
  
• Retrieve financial assets such as cryptocurrency or online investments
  
• Preserve sentimental items such as digital photos or personal writing
  
• Protect your privacy by preventing unauthorized access or identity theft
  
  

By detailing how your digital property should be handled, you reduce confusion, protect sensitive information, and make the probate process more efficient. Learn more about Alberta’s estate administration process in our article on Probate Fees in Alberta: What to Expect.

Best Practices for Managing Digital Assets

To ensure your digital assets are properly managed, consider the following steps:

1. Create a comprehensive inventory
   List all online accounts, digital holdings, and login details in a secure location. Avoid including passwords directly in your will — instead, store them in a secure password manager or sealed memorandum referenced in your estate documents.
   
2. Appoint a digital executor
   Alberta law allows you to appoint an executor to manage your estate. You may designate someone with the technical knowledge to handle your digital property specifically.
   
3. Update your will and estate plan regularly
   Technology changes rapidly. Review your will periodically to ensure new accounts and assets are included. Visit our Wills & Estates Services page for guidance on keeping your documents current.
   
4. Seek professional legal advice
   A Calgary wills and estates lawyer can draft the appropriate provisions to ensure your executor has both the legal authority and practical access to manage your digital assets.
   

Common Challenges in Digital Estate Planning

Even with a well-prepared will, executors often face difficulties such as:

• Platform restrictions that override estate law
  
• Encryption barriers in cryptocurrency or secured drives
  
• Privacy concerns under the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA)
• Unclaimed or forgotten digital assets
  

These challenges highlight the importance of obtaining professional legal guidance. Our estate planning services ensure your documents comply with Alberta law and platform policies, giving your executor clear authority to act.

Integrating Digital Assets into Your Estate Plan

At Libra Law, we help Albertans create comprehensive estate plans that address both traditional and digital property. Whether you’re revising an existing will or starting from scratch, our team can ensure your instructions are complete, enforceable, and up to date.

You can also explore our related resources on estate planning, including What Is a Holographic Will in Alberta? and Digital Assets in Alberta: Do They Belong in Your Will?.

Final Thoughts

Digital assets are now an inseparable part of modern life — and they deserve the same legal protection as any other form of property. Without clear instructions, these assets may remain inaccessible or lost after death.

By incorporating digital assets into your estate plan today, you ensure that your digital legacy — financial, personal, and creative — is managed according to your wishes.

Book a consultation with Libra Law’s Wills & Estates team to protect your digital and physical assets with confidence.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. To obtain advice specific to your situation, please consult a lawyer or qualified professional.