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People making wills should consider what will happen to all their online 'property' after they die, the New Zealand Law Society has advised.

Internet users are storing more and more information online. But lawyers who deal with wills say that their clients rarely think about whether relatives will be able to access photos, emails or other documents in the event of their death.

'If the password or login details aren't known or accessible, this can be very difficult,' pointed out Chris Moore, chairman of the society's property law section. 'We would advise anyone who makes or reviews a will to consider what could be called their 'digital legacy'.'

Moore also noted out that most people do not read the small print when signing up to online networks such as Facebook or MySpace. They are therefore not aware that such terms and conditions often contain a clause which prescribes the procedure upon the death of the user.

The New Zealand Law Society has now recommended that people decide whether or not they want relatives to be able to access their online information, and then record their intentions. This will save loved ones a lot of time and stress.

'The best way to state your wishes for your digital assets is in  an up-to-date will. This should specify where your account information can be found - if you want to share it - to whom access should be given, and your wishes regarding keeping or destroying digital assets,' Moore explained.

The society website now contains a webpage with a checklist of things to consider, as well as a list of relevant policies for popular web services such as Google and Facebook.

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