It’s not unusual to see children in New York with six-figure social media followings, brand sponsorships, and video content generating real income. From Brooklyn fashion models to Bronx tween YouTubers, these young influencers are running full-fledged businesses, sometimes without even realizing it. But what happens to all that content, income, and intellectual property if something unexpected happens? This is where estate planning comes in, and it looks very different for influencer kids.
The Question of Ownership
Many New York parents managing their child’s influencer career don’t stop to ask: Who actually owns the content, income, and brand? If the accounts are under the parent’s name, there could be confusion, or even legal disputes, about who has rightful access if a parent becomes incapacitated or passes away.
To avoid this, families can set up limited liability companies (LLCs) or trusts that clarify ownership and designate income properly. Structuring the brand as a business not only protects the assets, it also creates a clean line of succession should anything happen.
Protecting Earnings Without a Coogan Law
Unlike California, New York has no version of the Coogan Law, which mandates a portion of child performers’ earnings be placed in a protected trust. That means unless families take action, all of the child’s earnings can be accessed, and potentially misused, by adults managing the income.
Setting up a UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) account, a custodial trust, or even a revocable trust ensures the child’s money is protected and available for them once they reach adulthood. The UTMA account is a proactive step that gives both security and transparency, especially as these young influencers grow older and want more control over their brands.
Managing Digital Assets Like Real Property
Most estate plans include real estate, bank accounts, and physical valuables, but influencer kids come with a completely different portfolio. Think YouTube channels, monetized TikToks, merchandise lines, brand contracts, and yes, even NFTs.
Digital assets should be inventoried and included in the estate plan, with clear instructions for how they’re to be managed or passed on. Whether content continues to earn after someone passes or needs to be taken down, legal clarity is essential.
Who Manages the Business if a Parent Can’t?
For influencer families, guardianship is no longer just about who will care for the child physically. It’s also about who understands the business side of things. If the parent running the brand can’t continue, who negotiates with sponsors? Who ensures the child’s image isn’t misused?
Some families appoint a co-guardian or even a professional trustee to oversee the business and financial matters separately from personal care. This dual structure can make sure the child is protected both emotionally and financially.
Planning for More Than “What If”
Estate planning isn’t just about preparing for the worst, it’s about protecting, preserving, and building on what your child has already achieved. With more kids running businesses, earning income, and gaining public attention at a young age, New York families need to move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions. Whether it’s setting up a trust, managing business interests, or protecting online assets, influencer children require estate plans that reflect their unique circumstances. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation and start building a plan tailored to your child’s future.