# Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-121: Disclosure of content of electronic communications of deceased user

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SI_C1_A3.1_S64.2-121

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-121
- **Heading:** Disclosure of content of electronic communications of deceased user
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 64.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 1 / Article 3.1 / Section 64.2-121

## Text

If a deceased user consented to or a court directs disclosure of the contents of electronic communications of the user, the custodian shall disclose to the personal representative of the estate of the user the content of electronic communications sent or received by the user if the representative gives the custodian:

1. A written request for disclosure in physical or electronic form;

2. A certified copy of the death certificate of the user;

3. A certified copy of the letter of appointment of the representative or a small-estate affidavit or court order;

4. Unless the user provided direction using an online tool, a copy of the user's will, trust, power of attorney, or other record evidencing the user's consent to disclosure of the content of electronic communications; and

5. If requested by the custodian:

a. A number, username, address, or other unique subscriber or account identifier assigned by the custodian to identify the user's account;

b. Evidence linking the account to the user; or

c. A finding by the court that (i) the user had a specific account with the custodian, identifiable by the information specified in subdivision a; (ii) disclosure of the content of electronic communications of the user would not violate 18 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq., 47 U.S.C. § 222, or other applicable law; (iii) unless the user provided direction using an online tool, the user consented to disclosure of the content of electronic communications; or (iv) disclosure of the content of electronic communications of the user is reasonably necessary for administration of the estate.

2017, cc. 33 , 80 .

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-116 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SI_C1_A3.1_S64.2-116.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-117 Applicability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SI_C1_A3.1_S64.2-117.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-118 User direction for disclosure of digital assets](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SI_C1_A3.1_S64.2-118.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-119 Terms-of-service agreement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SI_C1_A3.1_S64.2-119.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-120 Procedure for disclosing digital assets](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SI_C1_A3.1_S64.2-120.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-121 Disclosure of content of electronic communications of deceased user](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SI_C1_A3.1_S64.2-121.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-122 Disclosure of other digital assets of deceased user](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SI_C1_A3.1_S64.2-122.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-123 Disclosure of content of electronic communications of principal](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SI_C1_A3.1_S64.2-123.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-124 Disclosure of other digital assets of principal](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SI_C1_A3.1_S64.2-124.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-125 Disclosure of digital assets held in trust when trustee is original user](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SI_C1_A3.1_S64.2-125.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-126 Disclosure of contents of electronic communications held in trust when trustee is not original user](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SI_C1_A3.1_S64.2-126.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-127 Disclosure of other digital assets held in trust when trustee is not original user](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SI_C1_A3.1_S64.2-127.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-128 Disclosure of digital assets to conservator or guardian of protected person](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SI_C1_A3.1_S64.2-128.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-129 Fiduciary duty and authority](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SI_C1_A3.1_S64.2-129.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SI_C1_A3.1_S64.2-121. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.