The Definitive 2026 Guide to Digital Legacy Planning in Australia

Imagine Sarah, an Aussie mum who loves snapping photos of her kids but worries those memories might vanish in the digital abyss. She fears leaving her family a chaotic tangle of passwords and unread messages. Digital legacy planning feels like a maze—but it doesn’t have to be. Unlike the old shoebox of photos and scribbled notes, a digital legacy is a clear, organised story of your life, wishes, and essentials, wrapped up in one secure place.

What Does a Digital Legacy Really Mean?

For many people, the idea of “legacy” once meant a handwritten will, a few photo albums, and perhaps some verbal wishes passed down at family gatherings. But in today’s connected world, digital legacy planning is about so much more. It’s not just about who gets your assets—it’s about how you’ll be remembered, what stories you leave behind, and how you make things easier for your loved ones.

So, what is a digital legacy? At its heart, it’s the complete record of your online life, values, and wishes. It’s a living plan that evolves as your digital footprint grows, blending sentimental memories with practical essentials. Here’s what makes up a true digital legacy:

Your Stories and Values: Beyond legal documents, your digital legacy includes the memories, life lessons, and family history you want preserved. This could be heartfelt letters, recorded messages, or even video interviews. These stories help preserve family memories online and ensure your voice is heard for generations.
All Your Digital Assets: Digital asset management goes far beyond photos and videos. It covers social media accounts, email, cloud storage, cryptocurrency wallets, and important documents. Your digital legacy should include clear instructions for each of these, so nothing is lost or forgotten.
Your Online Presence: Every post, photo, and interaction forms part of how you’re remembered. Digital legacy planning lets you decide what happens to your social accounts—whether they’re memorialised, deleted, or passed on to someone you trust.
Practical Information: One of the most overlooked parts of legacy preservation is the practical side: passwords, account access, and step-by-step instructions for handling your digital affairs. This helps your family avoid confusion and stress during difficult times.
A Living, Evolving Plan: Unlike a static will, your digital legacy is ongoing. As you create new accounts or gather more memories, your plan should adapt. Tools like Evaheld’s secure legacy vault make it easy to update and organise everything in one place.

Ultimately, digital legacy planning is about more than ticking legal boxes. It’s about capturing the full picture of your life—your beliefs, your relationships, your digital assets, and your wishes for the future. By taking a step-by-step approach to memory capture and asset management, you can ensure your loved ones are supported and your story is never lost.

Meet your Legacy Assistant — Charli Evaheld is here to guide you through your free Evaheld Legacy Vault so you can create, share, and preserve everything that matters — from personal stories and care wishes to legal and financial documents — all in one secure place, for life.

Starting Strong: Creating Your Digital Asset Inventory

When it comes to digital legacy planning, the first and most crucial step is building a comprehensive digital asset inventory. This inventory forms the foundation for all future legacy preservation, ensuring your family can access, manage, and honour your digital life with clarity and ease. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for people seeking to preserve family memories online and secure their digital footprint.

Step 1: List Every Online Account

Begin by making a detailed list of all your online accounts. This includes:

Email addresses (personal and work)
Social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)
Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud)
Banking and investment platforms
Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify)
Shopping sites (eBay, Amazon)
Cryptocurrency wallets

For each account, record the username, password, and recovery information. This is essential for online accounts management after you’re gone.

Step 2: Catalogue Digital Documents and Assets

Identify where important documents are stored digitally. This includes:

Wills and powers of attorney
Insurance policies
Medical records
Family photos and videos
Business documents

Note the exact location—whether it’s on a hard drive, cloud storage, or a secure vault like Evaheld’s encrypted platform. This step is vital for effective legacy preservation and memory capture.

Step 3: Use a Secure Password Manager

Storing credentials in a secure password manager is the safest way to protect sensitive information. Password managers not only keep your data encrypted but also allow you to share access securely with trusted contacts. This reduces the risk of identity theft and ensures your family can access what they need, when they need it.

Step 4: Regularly Update Your Inventory

Your digital life evolves constantly. Make it a habit to update your inventory whenever you create new accounts or acquire new digital assets. Set a reminder to review your list every six months.

Not all information should be accessible to everyone. Consider who should have access to each asset and use tools like Evaheld’s Private and Family Rooms to control visibility. Always respect privacy and security, especially with sensitive data.

Tip: Major platforms like Facebook, Google, and Apple now offer legacy contact options. Set these up to streamline access for your family.

Appointing a Digital Executor: Choosing the Right Person

When it comes to digital legacy planning, one of the most important steps is the digital executor appointment. This person acts as your digital caretaker, ensuring your online accounts, photos, documents, and personal wishes are handled exactly as you intend. With the rise of online banking, social media, and cloud storage, appointing a digital executor is now as vital as naming a traditional executor in your will.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Appoint a Digital Executor

Select Someone Tech-Savvy and Trustworthy
Your digital executor should be comfortable navigating online platforms and understand the basics of digital security. Just as importantly, they must be someone you trust with sensitive information and your family’s memories. Ideally, choose a person who can bridge the gap between technical know-how and the emotional weight of legacy preservation.
Clearly Communicate Their Role and Responsibilities
Before formalising their appointment, have an open conversation. Explain what a digital executor does—managing your online accounts, preserving family memories online, and carrying out your digital wishes. Clear communication upfront reduces confusion and emotional burden later.
Document the Appointment in Your Will and Legacy Plans
In Australia, digital executor roles are still evolving under the law, but it’s essential to name your chosen person in your will and any digital legacy plans. Specify their digital caretaker responsibilities—from closing social media accounts to accessing your secure legacy vault (such as Evaheld’s encrypted Vault).
Provide Access Instructions for Digital Assets
Make a secure, up-to-date list of your key digital assets—email accounts, cloud storage, photo libraries, and more. Use tools like Evaheld’s Vault to store passwords and instructions. Ensure your digital executor knows how to access these resources when the time comes.
Discuss Your Digital Wishes Openly
Let your digital executor know your preferences: what to preserve, what to delete, and how to share memories with family. This step is crucial to communicate digital wishes clearly and avoid disputes or confusion after your passing.
Prepare Them for Legal and Tax Implications
Australian laws around digital executor access are changing. Make sure your digital executor is aware of current legal requirements, privacy considerations, and any tax implications related to your digital estate. Providing them with resources or professional advice can be invaluable.

By following these steps, you ensure your digital legacy is preserved and your family’s memories are protected, with minimal stress or confusion for those you leave behind.

Secure Your Digital Essentials with a Legacy Vault

When it comes to digital legacy planning, securing your most important digital assets is crucial. Gone are the days of shoeboxes filled with paperwork or scattered USB drives. Today, a secure legacy vault offers a modern, stress-free way to protect your family’s future and preserve family memories online. Here’s a step-by-step guide to managing your digital essentials with confidence.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Secure Your Digital Essentials

Choose an Encrypted Legacy Vault Platform
Start by selecting a platform designed for digital asset management and estate planning digital assets. Solutions like Evaheld offer an encrypted vault—a digital safe that keeps your documents protected from unauthorised access. Encryption ensures your sensitive information, from legal papers to personal records, is only accessible by those you trust.
Gather and Upload Critical Documents
Collect all essential files, including:
- Wills and testamentary documents
- Powers of attorney
- Medical records and advance care directives
- Financial statements and insurance policies
- Passwords and digital account details
Upload these to your secure legacy vault to ensure they’re organised and easy to locate when needed.
Set Access Controls for Privacy and Security
One of the greatest strengths of a digital vault is controlled access. Assign permissions so only trusted family members or executors can view or manage specific documents. This respects your privacy and prevents sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.
Regularly Update Your Vault
Life changes—so should your digital legacy. Make it a habit to review and update your documents and passwords in the vault. This ensures your family always has the latest information, reducing confusion and stress during estate settlements.
Leverage Purpose-Built Digital Legacy Tools
Platforms like Evaheld are designed specifically for legacy preservation. Their secure vaults, combined with features like AI memory capture and guided wishes documentation, make digital legacy planning simple and reliable for Australians.

“Encrypted vaults can be lifesavers in chaotic estate settlements. They prevent loss, disorganisation, and ensure your family’s peace of mind.”

By following these steps, you’ll create a structured, secure home for your digital essentials—making legacy preservation easier for you and your loved ones.

Navigating the Legal and Tax Landscape of Digital Assets in Australia

When it comes to digital legacy planning Australia, understanding the legal and tax implications of your digital assets is crucial. Whether you’re wondering how to create a digital legacy or looking to preserve family memories online, it’s important to know how Australian law treats your online accounts, cryptocurrencies, and digital content.

1. Know Your Digital Asset Tax Obligations

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) treats many digital assets—especially cryptocurrencies—as taxable property. This means that capital gains tax (CGT) applies whenever you sell, transfer, or even gift crypto assets. To stay compliant, you must:

Keep detailed records of all digital asset transactions for at least five years. This includes dates, values, and the nature of each transaction.
Report any capital gains or losses on your annual tax return.
Understand that income-generating digital assets, such as YouTube channels or blogs, may have separate tax implications. Income from these sources should be declared, and expenses can sometimes be claimed.

For more information, visit the ATO website or consult a tax professional experienced in digital asset tax implications.

2. Estate Planning for Digital Assets: Legal Grey Areas

Australian law is still catching up with the fast-evolving world of digital inheritance. Unlike physical assets, there are no comprehensive laws specifically governing digital legacy Australia. This creates grey areas, especially when it comes to accessing online accounts after death.

Most platforms (like Facebook, Google, or Apple) have their own terms of service that may restrict the transfer or access of accounts, even if your will states otherwise.
Some platforms allow you to nominate a legacy contact or set up memorialisation options—explore these settings for each account.
Consider preparing a memorandum of wishes that details your intentions for each digital asset. This document can guide your executor but is not legally binding unless referenced in your will.

3. Practical Steps for Secure Digital Legacy Planning

List all digital assets—from cryptocurrency wallets to social media accounts and cloud storage.
Document access details securely in an encrypted vault, like Evaheld’s Secure Legacy Vault, to ensure your executor can locate and manage your assets.
Review platform policies and update your will to include digital assets, referencing your memorandum of wishes where appropriate.

By understanding the legal and tax landscape, you can make informed decisions and ensure your digital legacy is protected for your loved ones.

One of the most important steps in digital legacy planning is making sure your wishes are communicated clearly to your loved ones. In Australia, families often face confusion or disputes simply because instructions about online accounts and digital memories weren’t shared or understood. To truly preserve family memories online and ensure your legacy is honoured, transparent and ongoing communication is essential.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Communicate Your Digital Wishes

Write Clear Instructions for Each Digital Asset
Start by creating a detailed inventory of your digital assets—think social media accounts, email, cloud storage, and photo libraries. For each asset, write out what you want to happen after you’re gone. Should your Facebook profile be memorialised, your email archived, or your photo albums shared with family? Clear, written instructions are the foundation of effective family communication planning.
Decide: Close, Memorialise, or Archive?
For every account, decide whether you want it closed, memorialised, or archived. For example, some families choose to keep a loved one’s Instagram as a digital memorial, while others prefer to close accounts for privacy. Document these choices for each platform to avoid confusion later.
Use a Memorandum Alongside Your Will
While your will covers legal matters, a separate memorandum allows you to detail your digital instructions with more flexibility. This document can be updated as your digital life evolves, without needing to formally change your will. Memorandums are a powerful tool for legacy preservation and can be stored securely in Evaheld’s encrypted Vault.
Discuss Your Plans with Family
Open conversations with your family are vital. Explain your digital legacy plan and the reasons behind your choices. This helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures your wishes are respected. Consider using Evaheld’s Private and Family Rooms to share your plans securely and invite feedback.
Keep Instructions Updated
As you add new accounts or change your mind, update your instructions and digital asset inventory. Regular reviews keep your legacy preservation plan relevant and reliable.
Share Securely Using Private and Family Rooms
Modern platforms like Evaheld offer Private and Family Rooms, allowing you to share specific memories, wishes, or documents only with trusted individuals. This ensures your sensitive information is protected, while your loved ones have access to what matters most.

By following these steps, you can ensure your digital wishes are communicated clearly, your family is prepared, and your legacy is preserved exactly as you intend.

Bringing It All Together: The Holistic Digital Legacy Plan

When it comes to digital legacy planning Australia, the real magic happens when you bring every element together—your stories, your wishes, and your essential documents—into one secure, accessible place. This is where an integrated platform like Evaheld shines, transforming what can feel like an overwhelming task into a simple, loving process.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create a Digital Legacy with Evaheld

Start with Story Capture Using an AI Legacy Companion

Begin by recording your memories and life lessons. Evaheld’s AI legacy companion, Charli, guides you through compassionate, conversational prompts—making memory capture easy, even if you’re not sure where to start. This step is about more than just facts; it’s about preserving family memories online and ensuring your voice and values are heard for generations.
Document Your Family Wishes Clearly

Next, use Evaheld’s guided process to articulate your wishes. Whether it’s advance care directives, healthcare preferences, or personal messages for future milestones, you can ensure your family wishes are documented and accessible. This clarity reduces confusion and stress for your loved ones when it matters most.
Store Essentials in the Secure Legacy Vault

All your critical documents—wills, powers of attorney, financial records, and medical histories—are protected in Evaheld’s secure legacy vault. This encrypted storage means your information is safe, organised, and always available to those who need it, when they need it.
Share Selectively with Private and Family Rooms

Legacy preservation is about connection as much as privacy. Evaheld’s Private and Family Rooms let you control exactly who sees what, and when. Share certain memories or documents with specific family members, or keep sensitive information private until the right time. This respectful, selective access brings your family into the process without compromising your boundaries.
Build and Update Over Time

Digital legacy planning isn’t a one-off event. With Evaheld, you can start simply—perhaps with a single story or document—and add more as you go. This step-by-step approach ensures you’re never overwhelmed, and your legacy grows richer and more meaningful over time.

By combining story capture, clear wishes, and secure storage in one integrated platform, you reduce stress, avoid confusion, and turn legacy planning into an act of love and clarity. With Evaheld, digital legacy planning Australia becomes a guided, empowering journey—one that preserves family memories online and protects what matters most.

The Unexpected Side: Why Your Digital Legacy is More Personal Than You Think

When most Australians think about legacy planning, legal documents and financial records often come to mind. But the true heart of a digital legacy is far more personal and meaningful. It’s not just about ticking boxes or storing files—it’s about memory capture, sharing your unique story, and ensuring you preserve family memories online in a way that resonates for generations.

In the past, families relied on photo albums, handwritten letters, or stories passed down around the dinner table. These methods, while heartfelt, were fragile—easily lost, forgotten, or scattered. Today, digital legacy planning in Australia offers a new way to keep your voice alive. With tools like Evaheld’s AI legacy companion Charli, you’re not just recording facts; you’re capturing the essence of who you are. Charli guides you through compassionate conversations, helping you recall moments, values, and life lessons you might never have thought to share. This process transforms legacy preservation from a sterile task into a creative, emotional journey.

What’s truly unexpected is how personal and revealing this journey can be. As you begin to document your wishes and memories, you may uncover stories you’d forgotten or discover new sides of yourself. Many Australians find that the act of planning itself leads to surprising insights—about family history, core values, and even unspoken hopes for the future. It’s not uncommon for people to reconnect with loved ones or spark conversations that might never have happened otherwise.

Digital tools also allow your personality to shine through in ways that paper never could. You can upload photos, record voice messages, and leave video stories. These aren’t just files—they’re living memories that let future generations see, hear, and feel the real you. The secure legacy vault ensures these treasures are protected, while Private and Family Rooms let you share them with the right people at the right time.

Perhaps the greatest gift of digital legacy planning is peace of mind. In a world where so much is fleeting, you can rest easy knowing your story—and your family’s memories—will endure. You’re not just leaving instructions; you’re leaving a part of yourself. This is the unexpected, deeply personal side of legacy preservation: it’s as much about connection and creativity as it is about practicality.

Ready to begin? Start your free Evaheld account today and let Charli guide your first memory. Your digital legacy is waiting—and it’s more personal than you ever imagined.

Future-Proof Your Family’s Story with the Evaheld Legacy Vault

Imagine a single, permanent home for your life's most precious layers: the laughter in your stories, the wisdom in your wishes, and the clarity of your care plans. The Evaheld Legacy Vault is that home—a guaranteed sanctuary for your legacy, designed to outlive the digital noise and ensure your voice is heard for generations.

This is more than storage; it's the one account your family will thank you for creating.

Take control of what matters most — set up your free Evaheld Legacy Vault to keep your stories, care wishes, and essential documents safe, organised, and instantly shareable with loved ones and advisers, for life.

Get Your Vault Running in Minutes with Charli, Your AI Legacy Preservation Assistant

Stop feeling overwhelmed. Charli is your proactive guide who simplifies every step—from setting up your vault and inviting family members to sending smart content requests and helping you articulate your stories. She doesn't just help you write; she helps you build, ensuring your entire legacy is preserved efficiently and authentically.

Your All-in-One Legacy Solution

Preserve a Rich, Living History: Build a first-person narrative with video messages, audio recordings, legacy letters, and recipes—a digital heirloom where your wisdom and memories are kept safe and searchable.
Co-Create in Family Rooms: Spark conversations and gather memories together in shared, collaborative spaces. It’s a living scrapbook that grows with every contribution from your family.
Simplify Every Step with Charli, Your AI Legacy Preservation Assistant: From onboarding and inviting family to sending content requests and articulating your stories, Charli provides proactive guidance throughout your entire legacy-building journey—ensuring nothing is forgotten while keeping the process effortless.
Honour Your Care Wishes: Complete your legally valid Digital Advance Care Directive with our intuitive tool. Grant loved ones and clinicians instant, secure access, ending frantic document searches for good.
Grant Emergency Access in Seconds: Share or print your unique QR Emergency Access Card. A single scan gives first responders immediate access to your directives, enabling faster, better-aligned care when every second counts.
Safeguard Every Essential Document: Consolidate your will, power of attorney, superannuation details, and more in one bank-grade encrypted vault. Your family will always find what they need, securely.

How to Secure Your Legacy in Minutes

Start Your Free Vault: Claim your personal, secure space in under a minute. No cost, no commitment.
Add Your People & Open Rooms: Invite family to shared Rooms to begin co-creating your story and sending content requests.
Build Your Legacy: Use your built-in AI assistant to help capture memories and refine your messages. Upload documents and record your care wishes. Your voice, preserved forever.

Why Thousands Are Choosing Evaheld

By starting your free Evaheld Legacy Vault, you gain:

A Living Time Capsule — preserve your family’s identity, values, and care choices in one lasting digital home.
With Charli, Your AI Assistant, Preserving Your Story is Effortless
Ease & Organisation — everything important, easily shared and always up to date.
Peace of Mind for All Generations — loved ones know exactly what you wish, and where to find it.
Free to Begin, Forever to Keep — create your vault now and secure lifetime access

Watch our Cofounder's Story to learn why we’re so passionate about Legacy Preservation and Advance Care Planning

The Best 3 Resources to Get Started

Start Your Vault — It’s Free and Forever Yours

Building your Evaheld Legacy Vault takes minutes — and protects your stories, care plans, and family legacy for generations. Give your loved ones the greatest gift of all: peace of mind that never expires.

TL;DR: Digital legacy planning is more than a checklist—it's your story, your wishes, and your essentials preserved securely and shared thoughtfully. Start by creating an inventory, appointing a digital executor, and securing your accounts, using practical tools that simplify the process.

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