missing presumed dead

[emmachizit]

Could someone please tell me how long legally must someone be missing for to be declared dead. Also, is it up to the next of kin to accept this? (i.e. can a mother refuse to allow her missing child to be declared dead, and therefore remain a missing person?) Many thanks.

[bernardo]

It has to be at least 7 years, but it is not automatic. A missing person can only be declared legally dead if someone (relatives, presumably) initiates legal proceedings to make it happen. e.g. Lord Lucan disappeared in 1974 but was not declared dead until er, about 1997 I think.

[thejuggler]

There is an answer to this but reading your question I don't think you will have the intelligence to understand it.