> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://onex-3.gitbook.io/onex-document/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://onex-3.gitbook.io/onex-document/inheritance.md).

# Inheritance

## 13.1 The Problem

Conservative estimates place permanently inaccessible cryptocurrency at over **$20 billion**. Traditional wills cannot safely reference private keys. ONEx provides a cryptographically enforced, privacy-preserving inheritance system that works without trusting any single party.

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## 13.2 Inheritance Protocol Mechanics

**Setup (during life):**

1. User defines beneficiaries and their shares
2. User sets inactivity threshold (e.g., 12 months no wallet activity)
3. User designates guardians for death verification (1-of-3 minimum)
4. Smart contract locks inheritance rules on-chain (encrypted)
5. User can modify rules at any time — changes require 7-day timelock

**Execution (after death):**

1. Inactivity threshold triggers a 90-day waiting period
2. Designated guardians submit death attestations (minimum 2-of-3)
3. Attestations verified — 30-day final challenge window opens
4. If no challenge: smart contract executes inheritance automatically
5. Assets transfer directly to beneficiary wallets — no intermediary

**Privacy protections:**

* Beneficiary identities are ZK-encrypted — not visible on-chain until execution
* Share amounts are also encrypted until execution
* Guardian attestations use threshold signatures — no single guardian has full knowledge
* The user's death is never publicly announced — only the smart contract executes

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## 13.3 Supported Scenarios

| Scenario                             | How ONEx Handles It                                                                         |
| ------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Primary beneficiary predeceases user | Secondary beneficiary automatically inherits                                                |
| Guardian becomes unresponsive        | Minimum quorum (2-of-3) still sufficient                                                    |
| User recovers from medical emergency | Inactivity timer resets on any wallet activity                                              |
| Disputed inheritance                 | 30-day challenge window allows legal intervention                                           |
| Minor beneficiary                    | Smart contract holds in escrow until beneficiary reaches age 18 (on-chain age verification) |