Legal Information
Management of a Missing Person’s Property
When a person is missing, they may have property and financial matters that need to be considered or addressed. Relevant legislation in the ACT and NSW now includes the circumstance of missing persons and provides a scheme for the management of property and finances of a missing person.
ACT
Guardianship and Management of Property Act 1991 – Amendments to this legislation became effective on 6 September 2007. The legislation now allows for an application to be lodged to the Guardianship and Management of Property Tribunal of the Magistrate’s Court to have someone appointed as ‘manager’ to the property of a missing person in the ACT.
NSW
Protected Estates Act 1983 – Amendments to this legislation became effective on 17 December 2004. This legislation enables an application to be made to the Supreme Court to have someone appointed to manage the estate of a missing person in NSW.
Navigating the Coronial Process
When a person is missing under accidental or suspicious circumstances the Police investigating the matter may make the decision to refer the case to the coroner. The following information is to provide details when navigating the coronial process in relation to missing person’s cases.
