SecurityJanuary 20, 20268 min read

How to Share Passwords Safely with Family Members

Legacy Plans Team

The Legacy Plans editorial team provides expert guidance on estate planning, dig…

The Password Dilemma

You know you should share account access with a trusted family member — but how do you do it without creating security risks? Sharing passwords carelessly can lead to identity theft, unauthorized access, or data breaches.

Here's how to share credentials safely and responsibly.

What NOT to Do

Before we cover best practices, here are the most common mistakes:

Don't email passwords: Email is not encrypted by default and can be intercepted

Don't text passwords: SMS messages can be read if a phone is compromised

Don't write them on sticky notes: Physical notes can be lost, stolen, or photographed

Don't use shared spreadsheets: Google Sheets or Excel files are not designed for sensitive data

Don't use the same password everywhere: If one account is breached, all accounts are at risk

Secure Methods for Sharing

Method 1: Use a Dedicated Legacy Platform

Platforms like Legacy Plans are purpose-built for this exact problem. You store your access instructions in an encrypted vault, designate trusted contacts, and the information is only shared when specific conditions are met (like a verified life event).

Advantages:

End-to-end encryption

Controlled access with verification

No premature sharing of sensitive data

Method 2: Password Manager with Emergency Access

Many password managers (like 1Password, Bitwarden, or Dashlane) offer emergency access features. You can designate a trusted contact who can request access after a waiting period.

Key considerations:

The trusted contact needs their own account

There's typically a waiting period before access is granted

You can deny the request during the waiting period

Method 3: Sealed Instructions with Your Attorney

For the most sensitive credentials, consider providing sealed instructions to your estate attorney. These are opened only upon specific legal triggers.

Best Practices for Password Sharing

Use Unique Passwords for Every Account

This is non-negotiable. Use a password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords for each account.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Even if someone has your password, 2FA adds an extra layer of protection. Document your 2FA recovery methods alongside your passwords.

Document Access Instructions, Not Just Passwords

For each account, include:

The platform URL

Your username or email

The password or password manager location

2FA method and backup codes

What the account is used for

What should happen to it (close, transfer, memorialize)

Review and Update Regularly

Passwords change. Accounts are created and closed. Set a reminder to review your access instructions every 6 months.

The Legacy Plans Approach

Legacy Plans takes a security-first approach to password sharing:

1. Encrypted storage: Your access instructions are encrypted at rest

2. Designated contacts: Only people you choose can access your information

3. Verification system: Information is released only after a multi-step verification process

4. Audit trail: You can see who has accessed what and when

Don't leave your family guessing. Set up secure password sharing today and give them the access they'll need — without the security risks.

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