Writing custody instructions your spouse can follow
Technical accuracy matters less than clear steps, named contacts, and realistic expectations.
The most common gap we find in treasury custody reviews is not a flawed backup — it is the absence of a document that a non-technical spouse or adult child could follow without calling the holder for clarification.
Start with what you hold, not how it works
Your successor does not need a lecture on elliptic curve cryptography. They need to know:
- That you hold assets in cold storage (not on an exchange)
- Which devices or backup methods exist
- Where to find written recovery materials
- Who to contact for help (attorney, custody adviser, technically literate friend)
- What not to do (enter seed phrases into websites, rush transactions during grief)
Name the objects, not the brands alone
Instead of “I have a Ledger,” write “There is a small USB device in the top drawer of the study desk, wrapped in a grey cloth sleeve. It is labelled with a piece of tape reading ‘Study device — do not plug in without reading this document.’”
Physical descriptions help successors who have never seen a hardware wallet identify the correct object among household electronics.
Include a decision tree
A simple flowchart on one page:
- Read this entire document before touching any device.
- Contact [name, phone] before entering any recovery words anywhere.
- If the device is damaged, do not attempt repair — contact [custody adviser or attorney].
- If you are unsure whether a website or phone call is legitimate, stop and contact [trusted person].
Review the document annually
Custody instructions go stale when you add a wallet, move a backup, or change your passphrase. We recommend reviewing the document on the same date each year — your birthday, tax filing day, or the anniversary of your first cold storage setup.
Getting a second opinion
Bring your draft instructions to a Successor Briefing session. Your designated person attends, reads the document with an adviser present, and asks questions while you are available to clarify — or authorises a briefing without your attendance if you prefer.