
In today’s world, a person’s most valuable assets aren’t always found in bank vaults or filing cabinets — they’re often stored in the cloud. From investment platforms to social media accounts, digital assets are now a major part of estate planning. But without the right permissions, surviving spouses can find themselves locked out of accounts they desperately need to access. Poor planning, vague instructions, or outdated credentials can turn grief into a nightmare of red tape. These are seven examples of digital estate plans that left widows locked out of accounts — and the lessons they teach.