Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-00201
Multisig quorum failure — 2-of-3 multisig (2015)
SurvivesCase description
A 2015 case documents a Bitcoin attorney escrow arrangement where a 2-of-3 multisig was used with the attorney holding one of the three keys. When the attorney passed away unexpectedly, the key was on an encrypted device in their estate. The two remaining parties could complete their transaction using only their two keys, but not without several weeks of legal process to confirm the arrangement was still valid.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Multisig quorum failure |
| Custody system | Mobile or software wallet |
| Outcome | Survives |
| Documentation | Unknown |
| Year observed | 2015 |
| Country | Unknown |
Structural dependencies observed
Outcome interpretation
Access remained possible under the reported conditions.
Source
Publicly Reported
Evidence type
Forum post
Related cases involving multisig quorum failure
77 cases involve multisig quorum failure
572 cases involve mobile or software wallet
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This archive documents observed custody survivability failures. It does not attempt to document all Bitcoin losses or security incidents.
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Framework references
Where Bitcoin Custody Intersects Legal and Fiduciary Authority
Where custody creates gaps in estate planning, fiduciary duty, and professional responsibility.
Professional Scope Boundary Matrix
What each professional or product covers, what they do not, and where gaps form between them.
The Independent Assessment Layer in Bitcoin Custody
How independent diagnostic layers emerge when multiple parties depend on shared infrastructure.