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PATIENCE, PLANNING AND SUPPORT: REFLECTIONS ON DEALING WITH AGING FAMILY MEMBERS
iCloud account) was not worth starting a probate to get a court order to retrieve it.
The lesson learned from my experience is that after the death of a person if the devices are accessible, and before retiring the devices, access the MFA information and change the MFA phone number to one that will remain active. Change the passwords and answers to secret questions
to answers that the survivors know. With the number of passwords saved in devices, accessing these sites before retiring the device and changing the password so websites can be accessed is also recommended. Do not rely on physical password lists or answers to secret questions because these may be outdated. Electronic billing of accounts has become commonplace. Accessing email to cancel accounts, paying electronic bills, and assembling documentation for estate administration are all reasons to make sure passwords, MFA numbers, and secret questions are maintained and updated by the survivors. Finally, the passwords and account information must be maintained if the decedent’s social media sites are taken down after the owner’s death. Otherwise, the deceased will have a social media presence in perpetuity.
The latest operating systems released by Apple have an added option to access data stored in the cloud following a user’s death. In iOS version 15.2 and newer, a person can designate a Legacy Contact. To set a Legacy Contact, go to Settings – and click the top of the screen where the user’s name appears. Choose “Password and Security” and scroll
down to the Legacy Contact choice. The legacy contact receives a key to unlock data stored on the iCloud upon submitting the user’s death certificate to Apple. This will be available for iPads and Macs using the most current versions of the iOS software.
Microsoft requires a surviving heir to email a request and submit documentation. The type of documentation is not specified in the information I could locate. However, it is likely that letters of testamentary in a probate proceeding and a certified copy of the death certificate may be required.
The Digital Age provides convenience and accessibility to data, media, and services. However, it has also resulted
in complexity, risk, and frustration if the systems do not function. Frequently, those members of younger generations become the family IT department. Learning how to manage device settings or where to educate ourselves to help them will allow those in the Silver Generation to reap the benefits of digitalization and minimize the risks and frustrations associated with using digital devices.
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John Buckley is Senior Vice President with Western National Mutual Insurance Company in St. Paul, MN. Contact him at: john.buckley@wnins.com.