> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.zen.land/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Managing Your Escrow

> Actions available during an active escrow.

## Escrow States Overview

Your escrow will pass through different states. Here's what you can do at each:

```mermaid theme={null}
stateDiagram-v2
    [*] --> Pending: Create
    Pending --> Active: Seller Accepts
    Pending --> Refunded: Seller Declines
    Pending --> Refunded: Cancel Expired
    Active --> Fulfilled: Mark Fulfilled
    Active --> Disputed: Open Dispute
    Active --> Released: Buyer Releases
    Active --> Refunded: Seller Refunds
    Fulfilled --> Released: Release or Claim
    Fulfilled --> Disputed: Open Dispute
    Disputed --> Resolved: Agent Decides
    Disputed --> Split: Mutual Agreement
```

***

## Actions by State

### Pending State

The escrow has been created but the seller hasn't accepted yet.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="For Buyers" icon="user">
    * Wait for seller to accept
    * Cancel if seller doesn't respond (after expiry)
  </Card>

  <Card title="For Sellers" icon="store">
    * Review the terms carefully
    * Accept to start working
    * Decline if terms are wrong
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

### Active State

Seller accepted. Work is in progress!

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Buyer Actions">
    | Action            | Description                   |
    | ----------------- | ----------------------------- |
    | **Release**       | Send 100% to seller (anytime) |
    | **Open Dispute**  | Raise an issue with the work  |
    | **Propose Split** | Suggest dividing the funds    |
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Seller Actions">
    | Action             | Description                               |
    | ------------------ | ----------------------------------------- |
    | **Mark Fulfilled** | Signal that work is complete              |
    | **Refund**         | Return 100% to buyer (no approval needed) |
    | **Propose Split**  | Suggest dividing the funds                |
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

### Fulfilled State

Seller has marked the work as complete. The clock is ticking!

<Warning>
  **Buyers:** Review promptly! After the protection time expires, the seller can claim the funds.
</Warning>

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Buyer Actions">
    | Action            | Description                             |
    | ----------------- | --------------------------------------- |
    | **Release**       | Send funds to seller (you're satisfied) |
    | **Open Dispute**  | Something is wrong with delivery        |
    | **Propose Split** | Negotiate a partial refund              |
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Seller Actions">
    | Action                   | Description                         |
    | ------------------------ | ----------------------------------- |
    | **Claim** (after expiry) | Take funds if buyer is unresponsive |
    | **Refund**               | Return 100% to buyer                |
    | **Propose Split**        | Negotiate a resolution              |
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

### Disputed State

A dispute has been opened. Normal settlement is paused.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Invite Agent" icon="gavel">
    Either party can invite the pre-selected agent to resolve the dispute.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Propose Split" icon="divide">
    Or try to settle mutually without involving the agent.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  Even during a dispute, the seller can still refund 100% or both parties can agree to a split.
</Note>

***

### Agent Invited State

The agent is reviewing the case.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="What to Do">
    * **Present your case** — Share evidence with the agent
    * **Respond promptly** — Agents may have questions
    * **Be honest** — Agents can detect bad-faith behavior
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="What Happens">
    * Agent reviews evidence from both parties
    * Agent decides the split (e.g., 60% buyer, 40% seller)
    * Agent fee is deducted from the total
    * Funds are distributed automatically
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Warning>
  **Agent Timeout:** If the agent doesn't respond within 7 days, either party can claim timeout. The escrow returns to disputed state with no agent (locked mode).
</Warning>

***

## The Split Negotiation Flow

Splits are a powerful way to settle without agent involvement:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Propose">
    Either party proposes a split (e.g., "70% to me, 30% to you")
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review">
    The other party sees the proposal in their dashboard
  </Step>

  <Step title="Respond">
    They can:

    * **Accept** — Funds are distributed immediately
    * **Counter** — Propose different percentages
    * **Ignore** — Proposal stays pending
  </Step>

  <Step title="Execute">
    When both parties agree on the same split, it executes automatically
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Proposing a split is free! It doesn't commit you to anything until the other party accepts.
</Tip>

***

## Terminal States

These are the final states — the escrow is complete:

| State              | Meaning                        |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------ |
| **Released**       | Full amount sent to seller     |
| **Refunded**       | Full amount returned to buyer  |
| **Split**          | Amount divided between parties |
| **Agent Resolved** | Agent determined the split     |

Once in a terminal state, no further actions are possible.

***

## Tips for Smooth Escrows

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="For Buyers" icon="cart-shopping">
    * Review deliveries promptly to keep the seller happy
    * Communicate clearly about what's missing before disputing
    * Release funds quickly when satisfied — it builds trust
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="For Sellers" icon="store">
    * Mark fulfilled only when everything is truly complete
    * Communicate any delays before they become problems
    * Don't be afraid to refund if you can't deliver
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="For Both" icon="users">
    * Document everything in writing
    * Use the protection time wisely
    * Try mutual settlement before invoking agents
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>