DEAD MAN'S FILE POLICY
Black Anchor Design, LLC — Effective September 4, 2026
Why this exists
Clients hire Black Anchor knowing the work is principal-led. That's a strength until the principal can't work. This policy ensures your site, your data, and your ability to move on never depend on one person's availability.
What's in the file
A sealed, encrypted package for each active client containing:
- Platform logins (Duda, Wix Studio, Webflow, Shopify, Magento) with admin-level access
- Domain registrar access and current DNS records
- Hosting, CDN, SSL, and email routing details
- Third-party integrations and API keys (forms, CRM, payments, analytics)
- Build notes: site structure, custom code, known quirks, and what not to touch
- A list of vendors and who to call for each
- A plain-English "how to take this over" summary written for a non-technical owner
Where it lives
The file is stored in an encrypted vault, with the decryption key held in escrow by a named custodian (an attorney or designated successor). Black Anchor's principal cannot be the only person able to open it.
What triggers release
The custodian releases the client's package when any of the following is confirmed:
- Death of the principal
- Incapacity lasting more than 14 consecutive days with no designated stand-in
- Unexplained loss of contact for 30 days despite documented attempts by the client and custodian
- Formal dissolution of Black Anchor Design, LLC
The custodian verifies the trigger before release. A client asking for the file early does not trigger release — they already have their own credentials through normal delivery.
What happens on release
- The client receives their complete package within 5 business days.
- Ownership of the site, content, domain, and accounts transfers fully to the client. Nothing is held back.
- Black Anchor retains IP rights to the underlying design system and reusable code, but the client keeps a perpetual license to use it as deployed on their site. They can hire anyone to maintain or rebuild it.
- Any prepaid but undelivered work is refunded from the business estate.
What's not included
- Black Anchor's internal templates, component libraries, and process documents
- Other clients' information
- Black Anchor's own business accounts
Keeping it current
- Updated within 5 business days of any credential change, launch, or major site revision
- Full audit every quarter; date of last update recorded in the file
- Custodian contact information verified annually with the client
Client's role
Clients receive their own full credentials at launch regardless of this policy. The dead man's file is a backup, not a substitute. Clients should also keep a copy of what they're given and confirm their custodian's contact information on file once a year.
Contact
Questions about this policy or the custodian on record: hello@blackanchordesign.com
817-818-7708
