The key can be split into multiple parts, so the family receives one part and the trustee/attorney another:
pybtcsplit - m-of-n Private Key Splitting made easy in one simple python utility
- https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/pybtcsplit-m-of-n-private-key-splitting-made-easy-in-one-simple-python-utility-104086
What many are waiting anxiously for is the inclusion of encrypted paper wallets. So the trustee/attorney gets the decryption password and the family receives the encrypted paper wallets:
From another thread:
This solution (encrypted paper wallets) probably isn't ready for prime time, but give it a few weeks and that will probably become a very good method for offline / long term savings that is secure.
And apparently a commercial paper wallet product (based on an open source tool) is now available with this:
BIP0038 compliant, encrypted private keys in QR codes.
Software v3 BETA
The new v3 offers many features:
- A step-by-step wizard
- Multiple background design options
- Encrypted private keys (BIP0038) and in-browser decryption.
- Deterministic Aliases
https://safepaperwallet.com/software-v3-beta/