Photographs are often taken so we can look back on our memories and shared experiences. However, after a person passes away, photographs can also provide an insight into the life they lived. When administering an estate, we often come across photographs that can support family tree research and establish next of kin. Photographs can tell a story, capturing the lifestyles, relationships and important events that shaped a person’s life. In this blog, we explore Blanchards’ process and how photographs are being transformed into digital assets.
What do photographs tell us
Photographs can reveal a wide range of stories, relationships and personal connections. They can provide evidence of relatives that you may be unaware of or have never met. Some photographs can capture significant events such as weddings which can show marital relationships and indicate surname changes.
What we look for during property search
During a property search, we look for any important documents belonging to the deceased, such as bank statements, wills, birth certificates and marriage certificates. These documents can help us confirm any important information about their history and family connections. In some case, we may find a written will which will identify any existing wishes which have been missed.
We also look for items of sentimental value, such as photographs or jewellery. These items can usually be passed on to the next of kin or can be valued to be included as part of the estate.
What happens to the photographs
Photographs can hold a great deal of personal value. When we find photographs during a property search, we ensure that they are offered to the beneficiaries, as they may wish to keep these photographs of their loved ones.
In some cases, distant relatives or estranged family members may not wish to receive the photographs. When no beneficiaries wish to keep them, we will dispose of them respectfully.
Your digital legacy
As technology has evolved, more people have become dependent on online services. As a result, much of our personal information, records and memories are now stored digitally in the cloud. Our smartphone cameras have transformed how we take pictures. For example, photographs are increasingly kept digital rather than printed in photo albums.
When a person passes away, accessing these digital assets can present challenges. Due to security measures, accounts can be locked or need ownerships details to become accessible. This raises an important question of what constitutes as a digital asset. Digital assets can have different forms of value:
- Assets with financial value: such as online banking accounts, cryptocurrencies or investment trading accounts.
- Assets with social value: including social media profiles and website domains.
- Assets with sentimental value: such as cloud photos, videos and email accounts.
Digital assets carry both financial and emotional value and should not be ignored during the probate process.
Final thoughts
Photographs can provide support in verifying family tree verification and next of kin connections. However, technology is changing how we take, store and share photographs. In the future, there may be a greater need for guidance on how digital assets, including photographs, can be accessed and managed after someone’s death. Beneficiaries may wish to have copies of photographs of the deceased. It is important to consider how these digital assets are made accessible. For the latest news and updates follow us on LinkedIn.
