Wages Group attorney Jake Brooks testified before the Wyoming Legislature’s Task Force On Digital Information Privacy in Laramie on September 24, 2015.  Jake was invited to offer testimony before the task force on draft legislation designed to protect a person’s digital information in the event of death and disability.  Jake testified on the importance of having legislation that protects a person’s privacy and right to direct what happens to their digital assets, including social media accounts, if they die.  The task force is currently considering a modified version of the Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act.  Among other things, the proposed bill would allow individuals to leave directions for their digital accounts, digital assets, and social media accounts in their estate planning documents.

In addition to testifying before the task force on this topic, Jake Brooks recently also taught a Continuing legal education course on the issue of digital assets, death and disability at the Wyoming State Bar’s annual convention in Jackson, and has given numerous presentations across Wyoming on the importance of digital asset planning to attorneys, financial planners, trust officers, and members of the general public.  Among other considerations, Jake Brooks has focused his presentations on the changing use of smart phones, e-mail, and cloud services, which have for many people replaced the traditional photo album and mailbox.  When people pass away or become disabled, family members have increased difficulty accessing this information for estate administration and preserving priceless family memories that are stored online.  Jake Brooks has been working with lawmakers and other attorneys to educate the public and professionals on the importance of this issue and to promote estate planning that includes digital asset planning.

Jake Brooks is a Buffalo, Wyoming estate planning attorney with ten years of experience working with clients on individualized and innovative estate planning, including both wills and trusts.  If you have questions about estate planning or digital assets, you can contact Jake by clicking here.  The Wages Group has offices in both Buffalo and Sheridan.