Can two people be required to access a box together?
The short answer
Some providers can set up a box so that two named people must attend together before it is opened, often called dual control or joint attendance. It suits trustees, business partners, co-executors and families sharing heirlooms. Whether Knox offers this, and on what terms, is set by its policy. Joint or dual-control access can be requested from Knox and is considered case by case. Plan for what happens if one person is unavailable, loses capacity or dies.
What dual control means
Under a dual-control arrangement, a box can be accessed only when two specified people are present together, and neither can open it alone. This is different from a box with two authorised users, where either person can visit independently. It is also different from the box-opening procedure the provider itself uses, which concerns how the box is unlocked rather than who must be present.
Who tends to use it
- Trustees who must act jointly under a trust deed.
- Business partners or company officers holding shared records or assets.
- Family members sharing custody of heirlooms or estate items.
- Parties who want neutral custody while a matter is resolved.
The risks of requiring two people
Dual control adds protection, but it can also block access. If one person is travelling, ill, has lost capacity, refuses to co-operate or dies, the other cannot open the box alone. The agreement should say what happens in each case, for example whether a substitute can be nominated, whether a court order is needed, or how an executor steps in. If one of the people dies, their estate may need to be dealt with through the Master of the High Court before access resumes.
Setting it up with Knox
Where Knox offers joint attendance, the rule is recorded against the box when the arrangement is set up, and both people complete identification and any enrolment. Before signing, ask how changes are made, what happens on the death or incapacity of either person, and whether a trust deed, company resolution or settlement agreement needs to be provided. If the arrangement forms part of a trust, an estate or a legal dispute, ask your attorney to review the wording.
How Knox handles this
Ready for the next step?
Speak to the Knox team about your situation. They will confirm current pricing, availability and requirements before you decide.
