Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-01369
In most US states that have adopted RUFADAA, a durable power of attorney does cover
ConstrainedCase description
A 2025 case involved a holder who had suffered a severe stroke that left them unable to communicate or perform fine motor tasks. Their durable power of attorney did not specifically reference digital assets, creating legal uncertainty about whether the attorney-in-fact could access the self-custody wallet. In most US states that have adopted RUFADAA, a durable power of attorney does cover digital assets if the document grants broad financial authority—but without the wallet PIN or seed phrase location, even valid legal authority could not access the Bitcoin. A digital asset estate specialist was engaged to work with the holder's family to locate the documentation through a systematic search of the holder's home and digital records.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Owner incapacity |
| Custody system | Hardware wallet (single key) |
| Outcome | Constrained |
| Documentation | Unknown |
| Year observed | 2025 |
| Country | United States |
Structural dependencies observed
What this illustrates
There was only one way in. When that path was gone, so was access. Whether full access was ultimately possible is unclear, but significant delay or outside intervention was involved.
Outcome interpretation
Access remained possible, but only with delay, dependence, or significant difficulty.
Source
Privately Reported
Evidence type
News article
Related cases involving owner incapacity
68 cases involve owner incapacity
274 cases involve hardware wallet (single key)
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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.
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