Documenting Custody for Family Members
What to include in a written custody summary so spouses and heirs can locate devices and backups without learning your seed phrase prematurely.
The hardest custody conversations happen between holders and the people who will need to act if something happens to them. A written summary bridges that gap without putting seed words on paper.
What the document should contain
- Device types and quantities, identified by label rather than serial number
- Location descriptions for each backup (room, container type, not the passphrase itself)
- Contact information for any co-signers in a multisig arrangement
- Name of the custody advisor or attorney who holds supplementary instructions
- Date of last review and date of next scheduled review
What to exclude
Never write seed words, passphrases, or PINs in a document stored alongside everyday files. If you use a passphrase, note only that one exists and where separate instructions are held.
Review cadence
Update the summary after every quarterly custody review, after any device purchase or retirement, and after any change in who holds backups. Store copies in two physically separate locations accessible to trusted parties.
Our template
Clients who complete a quarterly review receive a custody summary template pre-filled with session findings. The template is designed to be readable by non-technical family members while omitting sensitive material.