.png)
Funeral Wishes and Digital Legacy
Thinking about funeral wishes and digital information can feel difficult, but it can be a helpful part of planning ahead. It can make your wishes clearer and reduce the number of decisions left to family, friends or others close to you.
You do not need to plan everything in detail. Some people want to make very specific arrangements, while others simply want to record a few preferences.
What matters is that the people who may need to make decisions know what is important to you and where to find any information you have left.
Funeral Wishes
Funeral wishes are not usually legally binding, but they can be very helpful for the people arranging a funeral after someone has died.
You may want to think about:
-
whether you would prefer burial, cremation or another option
-
whether you would like a religious, non-religious or humanist service
-
where you would like the funeral or memorial to take place
-
whether there are readings, music, hymns or poems you would like
-
who you would like to be involved
-
whether there are particular flowers, donations or charities you would prefer
-
what kind of atmosphere you would like the service to have
-
whether you have any wishes about clothing, photographs or personal items
-
whether you would prefer a private funeral, a larger service or a celebration of life
You may also want to say if there are things you definitely would not want.
Recording your wishes
You can record funeral wishes in a will, but the will is not always read before funeral arrangements are made. It is often more useful to write your wishes down separately and make sure someone close to you knows where to find them.
You could keep a note with other important papers, tell your next of kin, or share your wishes with the person who is likely to arrange the funeral.
Some people choose to make arrangements directly with a funeral director. Others may pay for a funeral plan in advance. If you do this, make sure the details are easy for others to find.
Digital Legacy
A digital legacy is the information, accounts, photos, files and online presence you leave behind after your death.
This may include:
-
email accounts
-
mobile phone and computer access
-
online banking or financial accounts
-
social media accounts
-
cloud storage
-
photographs and videos
-
subscriptions and memberships
-
online shopping accounts
-
websites, blogs or business pages
-
passwords or password manager details
It can be difficult for family members or executors to deal with digital accounts if they do not know what exists or how to access important information.
Things you may want to record
You may want to make a simple list of important digital information, including:
-
key accounts and services
-
where important files or photos are stored
-
how to access your phone, computer or password manager
-
who should deal with your digital accounts
-
which accounts should be closed
-
whether any social media accounts should be memorialised or deleted
-
whether there are photos, messages or files you particularly want saved
Take care with passwords and financial details. It is sensible to think carefully about where this information is stored and who should have access to it.
Social media accounts
Many social media platforms have their own rules about what happens to an account after someone dies. Some allow accounts to be memorialised, while others may allow a verified family member or executor to request closure.
You may want to record what you would prefer to happen to your social media accounts and tell someone close to you.
Practical documents
It can be helpful to keep key information together in one place. This might include:
-
funeral wishes
-
details of any funeral plan
-
contact details for a funeral director, solicitor or financial adviser
-
details of bank accounts, pensions, insurance and bills
-
digital account information
-
important passwords or where to find them
-
details of pets, property or practical responsibilities
-
contact details for people who should be told
This information should be stored safely, but it should also be possible for the right person to find it when needed.
Useful Resources
You may find it helpful to speak to a funeral director, solicitor, faith leader, celebrant or someone close to you about your wishes.
Useful sources of information include:
Important note
This page provides general information only. Funeral, legal and financial arrangements can vary depending on individual circumstances.
For formal legal documents, estate matters, funeral plans or complex family circumstances, you may wish to seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.