Presumption of Death

Only a small fraction of people who go missing never return. Those that do leave behind family members who may eventually have to, or want to, declare them dead.

In the absence of a body it can be very difficult to register a person’s death or to obtain a death certificate. Without a death certificate, families face an uphill struggle to administer their missing loved one’s estate, to dissolve their marriage, to claim benefits and life insurance, and to sort out their financial affairs.

The process can be confusing, costly and add enormously to the emotional distress of losing a family member.

Missing People is campaigning for the introduction of legislation in England and Wales that would simplify the process for families wanting to declare a missing family member dead. Similar legislation has existed in Scotland since 1977, and is currently being considered by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Read our  Presumption of Death briefing (464.68 kB)

BBC on Presumption of death

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