§ 15-606

Maryland § 15-606

• Jurisdiction: Maryland
• Article get: Estates and Trusts
• Title: 15

Text

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

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

(2) A copy of the certificate of the user’s death;

(3) A copy of the letters of administration of the personal representative or court order appointing a special administrator;

(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:

(i) A number, username, address, or other unique subscriber or account identifier assigned by the custodian to identify the user’s account;

(ii) Evidence linking the account to the user; or

(iii) A finding by the court that:

1. The user had a specific account with the custodian, identifiable by the information specified in item (i) of this item;

2. 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;

3. Unless the user provided direction using an online tool, the user consented to disclosure of the content of electronic communications; or

4. Disclosure of the content of electronic communications of the user is reasonably necessary for administration of the estate.