In today’s world, much of our lives are lived online. From photo albums stored in the cloud to banking apps on our phones, digital assets have become just as important as the physical ones we keep in a safe or filing cabinet. Yet when it comes to elder law and estate planning, many families overlook this crucial piece of the puzzle. Without proper planning, access to a loved one’s digital life can become complicated, stressful, and, in some cases, impossible.

It often happens in the blink of an eye. One moment, life feels normal. Then a fall, a stroke, or a sudden illness sends a loved one to the hospital. The doctors recommend skilled nursing care. The family scrambles to find a facility with an open bed. But when the admissions team asks for paperwork, the family stares back in confusion. They don’t have it. The documents the nursing home requires, the ones that give legal authority to make decisions, are missing. Suddenly, an already overwhelming situation turns into a crisis.

Life has a way of surprising us. One moment, our parents are independent and making their own decisions. The next moment, a stroke, accident, or diagnosis can change everything. Suddenly, bills need to be paid, doctors need instructions, and decisions about care cannot wait. But what happens if your parents cannot make decisions anymore and there is no plan in place?