Multisig quorum failure — software wallet 2016

Survives

Case description

A Bitcoin inheritance arrangement structured as a 1-of-2 multisig (for survivorship) was challenged in court in September 2016. The deceased had created the 2-of-2 multisig intending it to operate as a joint account but had structured it so that either key alone could sign. When the surviving partner attempted to access funds, the deceased's estate claimed the wallet was part of the estate, not a survivor benefit.

Custody context

Stress condition	Multisig quorum failure
Custody system	Mobile or software wallet
Outcome	Survives
Documentation	Unknown
Year observed	2016
Country	Unknown

Structural dependencies observed

Legal process requiredInstitutional cooperation required

Outcome interpretation

Access remained possible under the reported conditions.

Source

Publicly Reported

Evidence type

Forum post

Evidence link

https://medium.com/@wayne_huang/rsa-2015-panel-bitcoin-s-future-threats-expert-s-roundtable-based-on-150-case-studies-92cc35e68e30

Related cases involving multisig quorum failure

75 cases involve multisig quorum failure 569 cases involve mobile or software wallet View archive statistics →

This archive documents observed custody survivability failures. It does not attempt to document all Bitcoin losses or security incidents. Submit a case

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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.