Does anyone know the rules and procedures for declaring someone legally dead under English law after they've disappeared? Assuming there's no evidence to suggest - if not prove - that they've drowned or whatever? I have in the back of my mind that you have to wait 7 years and then apply to the coroner, but I need to get it right!

Thanks

Emma

Not sure of the process, Emma, but I would imagine the reason for having someone declared dead is to settle some inheritance, or marital issue. In which case, I think the first port of call would be a solicitor.

Dee

Hi Emma,

I also have an inkling you have to wait 7 years, but to be sure, have you tried contacting the National Missing Persons Helpline? They have a website:http://www.missingpersons.org/

L

Even thought I've worked in the funeral profession for years and could tell you everything to do with death and funerals, I can't help with this one. Whatever the time limit, the Home Office would need to be contacted,as there would be all sorts of legal documents and things to go through. We had to contact them for exhumations.

Wish I could be of more help,

Kat

Is this novel research, or have you gotten yourself into a spot of bother?

No, research, don't worry.

Thanks for that, everyone, specially for the link. I shall pursue it...

Emma

After someone is missing for seven years, the family can have the person declared dead. I remember a few years back the question came up in relation to Richie James of the Manic Street Preachers, who disappeared in 1995. Look at the last paragraph of this article for details:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/manicstreetpreachers/pages/richey_edwards.shtml

<Added>

Oops, I meant Richey Edwards.