Understanding Keeper's Inheritance Key: Time-Locks & Secure Planning Made Simple

Bitcoin allows you to set special rules for how your funds can be accessed — like requiring multiple people to approve a transaction, or setting a future date before certain keys become active. These rules are written using something called Miniscript, which is just a simpler and safer way to write those instructions into your wallet. It helps developers build advanced features like delays or backup options without making mistakes.

One powerful use of Miniscript is time-locks — rules that say "this key can only be used after a certain date or time." This is where Bitcoin Keeper’s Inheritance Key comes in.

The Inheritance Key is a special, time-locked key added to your multisig setup. Initially, it plays no role in daily wallet operations. But once a preset time period has passed — say, 12 months — it activates and becomes an additional signing key. This gives your family or trusted heirs a path to access funds in the long term, while preserving strong security in the short term.

To use it best: combine the Inheritance Key with a 2-of-3 or 3-of-5 multisig setup, and ensure your heirs know how to access and use it after the time-lock expires. It’s a thoughtful way to future-proof your Bitcoin — giving peace of mind without compromising your present control.