A Bill to make provision for the declaration of presumed death of missing persons for the administration of the affairs of missing persons, and for connected purposes.
House of Lords
30 April 2013
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
This bill would let a court declare a missing person legally dead (a presumed death) to help manage their affairs. It also creates a Register of Presumed Deaths and explains the effects of such a declaration on wills, property, marriages and life insurance, guiding how declarations are applied for and administered.
The bill originated in the Lords, with a first reading in May 2012 and a second reading thereafter in the Lords, and was enacted as the Presumption of Death Act 2013 to implement these provisions.
Generated 21 February 2026
14 May 2012
First reading took place on 14 May 2012. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.
The Presumption of Death Act 2013 creates a court-led process to declare a missing person legally dead (presumed death) and sets out the consequences for wills, property, marriages and insurance. It also establishes a Register of Presumed Deaths and outlines the related procedures, notices and safeguards, including how a declaration or its variation is applied and administered.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
