When a business owner passes away, gaining access to their company’s website can be a complicated process — especially if important login details or ownership records weren’t clearly documented. From retrieving domain credentials to proving legal authority, there are several steps involved in regaining control of this essential digital asset.
Estate planning is an essential step for everyone, especially small business owners, and plays a crucial role in preventing these challenges.. A well-crafted plan ensures that both personal and business affairs are managed according to your wishes. One often-overlooked but critical component of this process is business succession planning — and that includes protecting digital assets such as your company’s website, email accounts, and domain name.
For many businesses, a domain name can represent a significant portion of their overall value. Losing access to it after an owner’s passing could cause lasting harm — in some cases, the domain may be impossible to recover or may cost thousands of dollars to reacquire.
Scottsdale estate planning attorney Allison Kierman of Kierman Law, PLC, emphasizes the importance of including these digital assets in your estate plan. She also offers guidance on what steps to take if you find yourself in the challenging position of trying to regain access to a business website following the death of its owner.
How to Gain Access to Website Domains and Back End Accounts After an Owner’s Death
When it comes to administering a loved one’s estate, the big-ticket items generally take priority – the home, life insurance, and bank accounts. These assets are important, but estate administration also needs to include business and personal websites.
However, it can be complicated trying to figure out how to take over a deceased’s website. If you are trying to gain control of a loved one’s digital assets after their death, there are some important steps you will need to take.
First, in order to access to a website domain and back-end account after its owner’s death, you must be the Estate Administrator (i.e., Personal Representative, Trustee, or Executor) or the next of kin of the deceased.
Second, gaining access may vary slightly depending on the domain and website host, but generally, you will need to submit the following documentation to the domain registrar and/or website host:
- A completed Change Request Form (may vary depending on the host) with the Estate Administrator listed as the requestor.
- Legal documentation listing the name of the Estate Administrator, such as a Will, Trust, or Court Order.
- Death Certificate of the deceased.
- Photo identification for the Estate Administrator.
Third, if a business is listed as the registrant/account holder, you will also need to provide a copy of the business ID. Examples of acceptable government-issued business identification are:
- A copy of a government-issued business license from a local, county, state or federal agency.
- For U.S.-based businesses, your domain/website host may accept an IRS “Determination Letter.” You may request a copy of this letter by contacting the IRS at 1-800-829-4933.
Many websites these days have financial implications, both in terms of the profit they make and sales they generate, as well as the ongoing costs of maintenance. Make sure you understand the value of your loved one’s website and take control of it.
Get In Touch with Allison Kierman
If you need assistance managing this part of an estate, contact Allison Kierman of Kierman Law, PLC. Allison’s practice is dedicated to helping families navigate every aspect of wills, trusts, estate administration, and probate litigation with clarity and care. She understands that these matters often come at difficult times and takes a thoughtful, personalized approach to every case.
In addition to estate planning and probate, Allison also provides business consulting services for families who own businesses and need guidance on business structuring, succession planning, and integrating trusts into their overall estate strategy. Her goal is to protect both your family’s legacy and your business’s future.
Website: kiermanlaw.com
Phone: 480-719-7333
Email: [email protected]
Do You Need Help with Your Website?
Hammersmith Support brings years of proven expertise in website design, development, maintenance, SEO, and hosting. Our team combines technical skill with a personal touch — when you call, you’ll speak directly with someone who knows your name and understands your business. We believe technology shouldn’t feel complicated, so we explain everything in clear, easy-to-understand language.
Whether you need a brand-new website, ongoing maintenance, or help improving your online visibility, we’re here to make the process seamless and stress-free. Schedule a complimentary consultation to ask questions, explore your options, and discover how Hammersmith Support can help your business grow online.