Who Gets Your Facebook After You’re Gone? Connecticut’s Rules on Social Media After Death
When most people think of estate planning, they picture wills, bank accounts, and maybe a family home. But in today’s world, your Facebook, Instagram, Google, Apple, or TikTok account may be just as much a part of your legacy as the family photo albums.
So what happens to your social media accounts after you die in Connecticut?
The Law in Connecticut: RUFADAA: Connecticut has adopted the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA), found in Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 45a‑334a through 45a‑334k. This law tells us who can access your online accounts — and when.
Under RUFADAA:
You can give explicit permission in your will, trust, or power of attorney for someone to access your digital assets after death.
If you use a platform’s online tool — like Facebook’s “Legacy Contact” or Google’s “Inactive Account Manager” — that choice overrides your will.
Without authorization, even your closest family may be denied access to your accounts.
Why This Matters? Social media accounts can contain:
Irreplaceable photos and videos
Important messages and contacts
Business content or intellectual property
Monetized accounts that generate income
Without planning, your loved ones might lose access permanently. In some cases, they may need to go through Connecticut probate court to request limited access — a process that can take months.
What Each Platform Allows
Facebook & Instagram: Choose to memorialize the account or delete it; appoint a Legacy Contact in settings.
Google (Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube): Use Inactive Account Manager to decide what happens after inactivity.
Apple (iCloud, iTunes): Use Apple’s Legacy Contact feature. Without it, Apple may require a court order.
LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter/X: Policies vary; most require proof of death and legal authority.
Planning Ahead: Steps for Connecticut Residents
List Your Digital Assets – Include all social media accounts, email, online storage, and subscription services.
Name a Digital Executor – In your will or trust, appoint someone you trust to manage your online presence.
Use Online Tools – Set Legacy Contacts or Inactive Account Managers directly with each platform.
Include Instructions in Your Estate Plan – Be clear about whether accounts should be deleted, memorialized, or transferred.
Secure Your Logins – Store passwords in a secure location, like a password manager with estate‑planning access settings.
The Bottom Line
Your social media isn’t just “online stuff” — it’s a collection of memories, messages, and sometimes valuable assets.
By planning now, you can make sure the right people have access, and you can spare your loved ones a frustrating, expensive legal process.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal help, consult a licensed attorney.
