Ontario Estates Law Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Test Prep

The choice identified highlights a significant issue in estate planning regarding digital assets. When digital assets—such as online accounts, digital currencies, and digital photos—are not explicitly addressed in a will, beneficiaries may indeed struggle to access them after the owner's death. Many digital platforms have protocols that may restrict access to accounts without proper authorization, often requiring a username and password, which unless shared, could lead to exclusion of beneficiaries from these assets.

Moreover, if a will lacks specific instructions about digital assets, the executor may not have the knowledge or authority to manage or transfer these assets, complicating the estate settlement process. This lack of clarity can result in these assets becoming inaccessible, leading to the potential loss of value and relevance, which can be especially problematic considering how integral digital assets can be in today's society.

Addressing digital assets within a will allows for the clear distribution of such assets, ensuring that beneficiaries can access and utilize them accordingly.