# Escrow Lifecycle {% embed url="" %} ## Core Phases: #### **1. Initiation Phase:** The foundation of the escrow: * Roles and responsibilities are defined * Transaction terms (amount, milestones, fees, trustline) are set * The escrow contract is created on-chain [Learn More](/trustless-work/v2-en/introduction/technology-overview/escrow-lifecycle/initiation-phase.md) #### **2. Funding Phase:** * Anyone can deposit funds * Once funded, the escrow is live and ready for milestone tracking . [Learn More](/trustless-work/v2-en/introduction/technology-overview/escrow-lifecycle/funding-phase.md) #### **3. Milestone Updates Phase:** * Marked as completed * Optional evidence or proof can be added * Provides visibility for review [Learn More](/trustless-work/v2-en/introduction/technology-overview/escrow-lifecycle/milestone-status-update.md) #### 4. Approval Milestones are reviewed by the **Approver**. * Can approve if conditions are met * Can raise a dispute if unsatisfied Approval moves the escrow closer to payout. [Learn More](/trustless-work/v2-en/introduction/technology-overview/escrow-lifecycle/approval-phase.md) #### 5. Release The **Release Signer** authorizes payout. * **Single-Release** → all milestones must be approved before one payout * **Multi-Release** → funds are released milestone by milestone Funds are transferred to the **Receiver**, minus any platform fee. [Lean More](/trustless-work/v2-en/introduction/technology-overview/escrow-lifecycle/release-phase.md) *** ### ⚠️ Alternative Phase: Dispute Resolution If any party raises a dispute, the lifecycle takes a detour: #### Dispute Resolution * **Dispute Resolver** steps in to resolve the conflict * Can redirect funds, adjust milestones, or cancel the escrow * Outcomes can be: * Full refund to client * Partial refund * No refund (funds go to provider) [Learn more](/trustless-work/v2-en/introduction/technology-overview/escrow-lifecycle/dispute-resolution.md) --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.trustlesswork.com/trustless-work/v2-en/introduction/technology-overview/escrow-lifecycle.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.