Skip to main content
Skip to explanation
A.R.S. § 14-13108

Deceased Person's Other Digital Assets

Verified April 4, 2026 • 57th Legislature, 1st Regular Session

When someone passes away without blocking access, platforms must share a catalogue of their digital assets with the personal representative. This covers account metadata, purchase records, and stored files.

Title 14, REVISED UNIFORM FIDUCIARY ACCESS TO DIGITAL ASSETS ACT

azleg.gov

The Difference Between Content and Everything Else

The law draws a clear line between the content of emails and messages and other digital assets. Other digital assets include account catalogues, purchase histories, stored files, and metadata.

This statute covers the second category. The bar for access is lower because the material is less sensitive than private messages.

Unless the user prohibited disclosure of digital assets or the court directs otherwise, a custodian shall disclose to the personal representative of the estate of a deceased user a catalogue of electronic communications sent or received by the user and digital assets, other than the content of electronic communications, of the user, if the representative gives the custodian all of the following: 1. A written request for disclosure in physical or electronic form. 2. A certified copy of the death certificate of the user. 3. A certified copy of the letters testamentary, a small-estate affidavit or a court order.

A.R.S. § 14-13108

Notice the key difference from the previous section. The personal representative does not need to show that the deceased agreed to disclosure. As long as the deceased did not block it, the platform must provide access.

What the Platform May Request

The platform can ask for extra verification. For example, it may request a username, account number, or other unique identifier. It may also ask for proof linking the account to the deceased.

A personal representative with a trust document or power of attorney can use those records to show authority. Social media accounts, online banking, and cloud storage all fall within scope.

The platform may also request a sworn statement saying disclosure is needed for estate management. It may also ask for a court finding that the account exists.

For families settling an estate, this statute covers the practical side of digital life. It helps with finding accounts, checking balances, and locating stored documents. Having the right paperwork ready before contacting each platform speeds things up.

Unless the user prohibited disclosure of digital assets or the court directs otherwise, a custodian shall disclose to the personal representative of the estate of a deceased user a catalogue of electronic communications sent or received by the user and digital assets, other than the content of electronic communications, of the user, if the representative gives the custodian all of the following: 1. A written request for disclosure in physical or electronic form. 2. A certified copy of the death certificate of the user. 3. A certified copy of the letters testamentary, a small-estate affidavit or a court order. 4. If requested by the custodian any of the following: (a) A number, username, address or other unique subscriber or account identifier assigned by the custodian to identify the user's account. (b) Evidence linking the account to the user. (c) An affidavit stating that disclosure of the user's digital assets is reasonably necessary for administration of the estate. (d) A finding by the court of either of the following: (i) The user had a specific account with the custodian, identifiable by the information specified in subdivision (a) of this paragraph. (ii) Disclosure of the user's digital assets is reasonably necessary for administration of the estate.
View on azleg.gov

This page provides general legal information about Arizona statutes and is not legal advice. For guidance on how this law applies to your situation, speak with a qualified attorney.

Related Questions

What happens to accounts my family does not know about?

Accounts your family does not know about can become unclaimed property held by the state. Create a master asset list of every account, update it yearly, and store it with your trust documents so nothing falls through the cracks.

How do I protect my digital assets and online accounts in my estate plan?

Include digital asset authority in your trust, will, and power of attorney. Create a secure inventory of all accounts and passwords. Arizona's RUFADAA law gives your fiduciary access only if you grant it in your plan.

What is probate, and how long does it take in Arizona?

Probate is a court-supervised process to validate a will, pay debts, and distribute assets. In Arizona, it typically takes 8 to 12 months and costs $10,000 to $15,000.

Get Started Today

Need Help With Your Estate Plan?

Whether you are just getting started or reviewing an existing plan, RJP Estate Planning works hand in hand with experienced estate planning counsel to help you understand your options.

(480) 346-3570