Selecting the Right Trusted Contact: A Practical Guide
Choosing who will manage your digital legacy is one of the most personal and important decisions you can make. With GoodTrust’s Trusted Contact feature, you can share specific items in your Digital Vault—including estate planning documents like your will, trust, or power of attorney—with the right person, at the right time. You stay in control of what is shared, and when.
This guide will walk you through what to consider when selecting a Trusted Contact, how the role differs from a Legacy Contact, and how to update and manage your sharing preferences within your GoodTrust account.
Who Should You Choose?
Here are some practical questions to ask yourself:
Who do I trust to handle my information responsibly? Choose someone who respects your wishes, understands your values, and will act in your best interest.
Who understands the nature of the files I’m sharing? For instance, if you're storing estate planning documents, legal records, or financial details, you may want someone with familiarity in those areas.
Do I want different people to access different parts of my legacy? You can assign access to specific files and folders. Some people designate one person for personal photos and another for financial matters.
Is this person reliable in a time of crisis? Your Trusted Contact may need to act during a difficult time. Choose someone who can follow through when it matters most.
Will they be available? If your Trusted Contact lives abroad or is often unreachable, consider if they’ll be able to access what they need in time.
Understanding the Difference: Trusted Contact vs. Legacy Contact
GoodTrust allows you to add multiple Trusted Contacts with varying levels of access. One specific type of Trusted Contact is the Legacy Contact. This role is more comprehensive:
A Legacy Contact is typically a spouse, legal representative, or someone you trust completely.
They will inherit your full GoodTrust account after you pass away.
They can also receive shared content before your passing, if you choose.
Think of your Legacy Contact as your digital executor. They are responsible for taking action on your behalf once you’re no longer here.
Setting Sharing Permissions
You can manage access to your documents and files through the Trusted Contacts section of your GoodTrust Vault. Simply click on the Trusted Contact of your choice to:
Grant immediate access
Schedule access for after your passing
Revoke or change permissions at any time
This flexibility allows you to adapt as your life and relationships evolve.
Pro Tips
Start with a conversation. Let your Trusted Contact know why you’ve chosen them, what their role involves, and how they’ll be notified when access is granted.
Review yearly. Relationships and digital lives change. Set a calendar reminder to review your settings annually.
Back up with documents. Upload a letter of instruction or simple explanation to your Vault so your Trusted Contacts have context.
Your Legacy, Your Terms
Choosing the right Trusted Contact ensures your digital life is handled with care, respect, and clarity. Whether you appoint one person or several, GoodTrust gives you the tools to share your legacy on your own terms.
Log in to your GoodTrust account and update your Trusted Contacts today. One thoughtful decision now can make a world of difference later.