Managing their affairs
Those closest to the missing person decide when loose ends need to be tied.
Tasks to think about
When someone goes missing, those closest to them may find themselves needing to manage aspects of their life. This can include practical tasks, financial responsibilities, and legal processes. These actions can be complex and emotionally taxing, so it’s important to take things step by step and seek support where needed.
Here are some tasks you may need to consider:
Immediate practical tasks
Some things may need attention straight away.
- Arranging care for dependents or pets
- Collecting or redirecting mail
- Securing the missing person’s home and belongings (if needed)
These small steps can help avoid distress or disruption while you figure out what’s next.
Letting key people know
You may choose to let certain people or organisations know your loved one is missing.
- Their employer or workplace
- Landlord or real estate agent
- Education providers (e.g. university, TAFE)
- Sporting clubs or community groups
These organisations may offer support, pause services, or make adjustments. Police can often provide a letter confirming the person is officially missing, which can help in these conversations.
Contacting service providers
You can try reaching out to companies such as banks, utility providers and phone providers, to request a hold on our loved ones account. Some have specific procedures for missing persons.
If you encounter difficulties, ask if the provider has a ‘hardship’ or ‘compassionate circumstances’ policy for missing persons.
Keep copies of all correspondence and notes from phone calls or other communications.
When formal authority may be needed
If the person has been missing for 90 days or more, you may be able to apply for:
- Financial administration
- Guardianship
This legal appointment gives someone the authority to manage affairs on the missing person’s behalf. This can include:
- Accessing bank accounts
- Managing property, rent or mortgages
- Cancelling or pausing services and subscriptions
- Handling debts or legal obligations
Each state or territory has its own application process through a civil and administrative tribunal or court.
If you are unsure whether you need formal authority, seek legal advice or contact a support service for guidance.
Other tasks you might need to consider
- Checking superannuation or insurance
- Reviewing bills to prevent debt
- Managing taxes or legal paperwork
- Calling anyone who should be alerted of the situation (e.g. employers, landlords, university or TAFE, sporting clubs, relatives)
- Organising rent or mortgage repayments (e.g. contact landlord or bank)
- Asking friends or family to look after pets
- Having someone collect their mail
- Closing unwanted accounts to stop bills
- Managing legal obligations (taxes, voting etc)
- Managing email accounts and monitoring for important communications
- Securing social media accounts and adjusting privacy settings
- Monitoring online banking and digital payment services for unauthorised activity
- Securing or cancelling subscription services and automatic payments
- Preserving digital evidence that might assist in locating the missing person
- Backing up important digital files and communications
- Maintaining access to cloud storage accounts
- Checking for immediate safety hazards at the missing person’s residence (gas, water, electrical)
- Arranging regular property checks and maintenance
- Managing home security systems and alarm codes
- Coordinating with neighbours for property monitoring
- Documenting all police interactions and case updates
- Preserving legal documents and contracts
The Missed Foundation may be able to arrange pro bono legal assistance – contact us.