How long does someone have to be missing before they are declared dead? Are there any exceptions to this rule? What steps must be taken before a missing person can be declared dead? I need to know this information specifically for the states of Maryland and Virginia.
The term is called “Death in absentia” in legal circles.
Maryland doesn’t have a fixed length of time. It us up to a court to decide based on the evidence and it also depends on what you want to do regarding this person’s death (guardianship of children, inheritance, etc.) One has to petition the court on this matter.
Virgina the period is 7 years, with various criteria that must be met (see link)
Here is the Persons Presumed Dead code from Virginahttp://www.lawserver.com/law/state/virgi…