Overview

This bill establishes a clear legal process for declaring a missing person presumed dead in England and Wales. It sets out the criteria for applying for such a declaration, the court's powers, and the legal consequences of the declaration, including its impact on property and relationships.

Description

The Presumption of Death Bill outlines a procedure for obtaining a court declaration that a missing person is presumed dead. An application can be made to the High Court if the missing person was domiciled in England and Wales, or habitually resident there for a year before disappearing, or if the applicant is the spouse or civil partner meeting similar domicile or residency requirements. The court will grant the declaration if the missing person is thought to have died or has been missing for at least 7 years. The declaration is conclusive evidence of death and its date, affecting property ownership and marital/civil partnership status unless overturned on appeal. The bill also allows for the variation or revocation of a declaration, with provisions for managing property interests and insurance claims affected by these changes. A Register of Presumed Deaths will be maintained by the Registrar General. The bill repeals or amends existing legislation related to presumptions of death in other acts.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. Costs will likely arise from administrative tasks related to the new register, court proceedings, and potential government legal representation.

Groups Affected

• Families of missing persons: This bill provides a legal pathway to resolve the uncertainty surrounding the missing person's status, enabling them to deal with property, finances, and relationships.
• Executors and Trustees: The bill outlines their responsibilities regarding property and insurance related to the presumed death.
• Insurers: The bill affects their liabilities and processes in case of death claims related to missing persons.
• High Court: The bill increases the court’s workload with the processing of these declarations and related applications.
• Registrar General: This bill creates new responsibilities for maintaining the Register of Presumed Deaths.

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