Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Texas doesn't mandate a single "missing for X years = dead" rule. Instead, it uses a legal doctrine called "presumed death" with two pathways:
If a person has been continuously absent from their last known residence for 7+ years with no communication, a court may declare them legally dead. This creates a rebuttable presumption — if they reappear, the declaration is voided.
If someone disappears under circumstances indicating a reasonable likelihood of death (plane crash, shipwreck, combat, kidnapping with ransom demand, etc.) AND there's no probable explanation for their survival, a court can declare presumed death before 7 years.
The presumption is rebuttable. If the "dead" person returns — even decades later — they reclaim their rights (though property distributed in good faith may be protected). Courts require clear, convincing evidence before declaring presumed death.
For families in limbo, the 7-year mark is a procedural milestone, not a magic switch. Legal counsel is essential to navigate the process and protect all parties.