‘Claudia’s law’ to help families of missing people

A law named after missing chef Claudia Lawrence is being introduced to help families take over the affairs of loved ones who have disappeared.

Ms Lawrence has not been seen since March 18 2009.

Police believe the 35-year-old from York was murdered, although no body has ever been found.

• What does the new law mean?

Nicknamed "Claudia’s law", the Guardianship (Missing Person’s) Act 2017 will create a special legal status to allow someone to be appointed as guardian of the affairs of a missing person.

It means families can act in the missing person's best financial interests after they have disappeared for 90 days or longer - such as suspending direct debits for bills and making mortgage payments.

Previously, when a person went missing, their family had no legal right to step in to manage their financial affairs unless the person was declared dead.

Campaigners said that piled emotional pressure and stress upon people already struggling with the absence of a loved one.

The regulations will come into force on July 31.

• What has the reaction been?

The new law has been welcomed by campaigners.

Ms Lawrence’s father Peter – who has lobbied for change since his daughter’s disappearance – and charity Missing People backed the move, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said.

In a statement issued through the department, Mr Lawrence said: “This will make such a difference to the lives of the hundreds of families who have been waiting so long for it, enabling them to deal with their missing loved one’s financial and property affairs in the same way as everyone else is able to on a daily basis.

“One less burden at a time when families are at their emotional lowest ebb will help enormously.”

Susannah Drury, Missing People’s director of policy and research, said: “This is a triumph for all the family members who have campaigned with us over the past decade and shown so powerfully why guardianship is needed.

“This regulation will mean that families who face the emotional distress of a disappearance will not be blocked from handling the financial and legal affairs of their loved ones.”

Justice minister Paul Maynard said: “No family dealing with the despair of a loved one going missing should have to endure the additional stresses of administrative problems.

“Claudia’s law will mean families can oversee the financial and property affairs of their missing loved one – removing a huge burden at such a traumatic time.”

Families who are granted the status can look after their loved one’s affairs for up to four years before having the option of renewing.

The scheme will be operated and supervised by the Office of the Public Guardian.