Civil Law (Missing Persons) (No. 2) Bill 2016

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

A missing person’s family would be able to step in quickly to deal with urgent money matters, such as paying bills or making loan and mortgage payments, and could also seek a legal declaration that the person is presumed dead. The proposal sets out how courts or a coroner could make that decision, what evidence would be needed, and how the person’s property, marriage or civil partnership, and official death registration would be handled. It also builds in safeguards if the person later turns up, so property rights and family status can be reviewed fairly.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to provide for the effects in civil law of persons who are missing, including arrangements for interim management of the missing person's property, and to provide for the civil status of the missing person where the circumstances of their absence leads to a presumption of death; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 14 November 2024