Death Abroad, Missing Persons, and Disaster
What if a family member is missing and presumed dead?
Short answer
You cannot get a death certificate until death is legally established. In California, you can petition the Superior Court for a Presumption of Death — typically requires 5 years of absence with no contact. A judge must declare the person legally dead…
What this usually means
You cannot get a death certificate until death is legally established. In California, you can petition the Superior Court for a Presumption of Death — typically requires 5 years of absence with no contact. A judge must declare the person legally dead before the estate can be probated or insurance claimed.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.