As family historians, we spend much of our time thinking about our deceased ancestors but we should also look ahead to future generations. Have you considered what will happen to your DNA test when you die? It’s not a great thing to have to think about but potentially millions of DNA matches worldwide will no longer be accessible if we, as individuals, don’t take action now.
Your DNA account will remain active on all the DNA testing sites but nobody will be able to make contact since the email address you gave will be inactive.
What is the best way to protect your DNA information for the future? Firstly, you need to think about who your beneficiary should be. If you have a family member who shares your passion for family history, this would be the logical choice. Probably the most secure way to manage your DNA is to write a codicil to your will, naming a beneficiary for all your DNA accounts. Specifying which accounts you have will make this more watertight when that beneficiary contacts the testing site. Alternatvely, you could write a summary of your tests, where they are held and the login details; this could then be kept with your will.
By taking these actions, your solicitor can let your beneficiary know when they become the owner of your DNA on your passing.
Alternatively, you can simply give your login details for your DNA accounts to a specific person so they can access them and change the email address. Be aware that if you change your password, you will have to update that person.
Familytreedna.com has a beneficiary facility. You can find this by clicking the account settings under your name at the top right of the screen. You will then see the Beneficiary Information tab under Account Information. For those who manage kits for other people, you should let them know what arrangements you are making so that they have the opportunity to agree with those arrangements or to request something different.
Whichever way you decide to handle this, you should do it now. The information connected to your DNA account is valuable and its value will only increase further as time goes by. Think about those times you have said... If only I had asked my grandma... Now think about your great-grandchild saying... If only my great-grandparent had protected their DNA information.
