Missing people are presumed to be dead if they have been missing for seven years, and where there has been no evidence to indicate that the individual could still be alive. If a person has been missing for 7 years, yet there have been signs that the person could still be alive, declarations of presumed death are not granted by the Court. Where a person has been missing for less than 7 years, but there is significant evidence that suggests they have passed away, the Court may decide that the person can legally be declared dead, yet this will largely depend on the case.