Legal · Escrow Policy

Warden Escrow & Payout Policy

Last updated: 2026-01-25

This Escrow Policy describes how funds are held, released, and refunded when you use Warden's Vault for milestone-based software projects.

1. Funding the Vault

Before work begins on a milestone, the client funds the agreed amount via Warden's payment provider (such as Stripe Connect). Once payment is successful, the milestone is marked as LOCKED and funds are held in the Vault under Warden's control.

2. Verification and completion

A milestone may be marked as complete when Code Witness indicates that the relevant commits and CI checks have passed and/or when the client explicitly approves delivery. Warden may use automated and manual review signals to determine whether the milestone meets the scoped definition of done.

3. Release of funds

When a milestone is verified, Warden initiates a transfer from the Vault to the builder's connected payout account, net of any platform fees. Timing of payouts may depend on the policies of underlying payment providers.

4. Disputes and freezes

If a client or builder raises a dispute about a milestone, Warden may freeze the associated funds in the Vault while the dispute is reviewed. During this period, no party may unilaterally withdraw funds until a resolution is reached according to the Terms of Service and applicable agreements.

5. Refunds and reallocations

In some cases, Warden may determine that funds should be partially or fully refunded to the client, or reallocated to a Rescue Mission or new builder. Such decisions are made based on the original scope, work completed, and Code Witness logs.