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Simple English definitions for legal terms
missing person
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A quick definition of missing person:
A missing person is someone who cannot be found and it has been a long time since anyone has seen or heard from them. If someone is missing for a very long time, their family can ask a court to declare them dead and divide up their things. This is called the seven-years'-absence rule. A missing person is different from a disappeared person.
A more thorough explanation:
A missing person is someone whose location is unknown and cannot be determined after a reasonable amount of time. This can also refer to someone who has been absent for an extended period without explanation, which may allow their heirs to petition a court to declare them legally dead and divide their property.
- A child who has not returned home from school and cannot be located by their parents or authorities.
- An adult who has not been seen or heard from in weeks or months, and their friends and family are unable to contact them.
These examples illustrate the definition of a missing person as someone whose whereabouts are unknown and cannot be determined, causing concern for their safety and well-being.