A
missing person is a person who has disappeared and whose status as alive or dead cannot be confirmed as his or her location and fate are not known. Laws related to missing persons are often complex since, in many jurisdictions, relatives and third parties may not deal with a person's assets until their death is considered proven by law and a formal
death certificate issued. The situation, uncertainties, and lack of
closure or a
funeral resulting when a person goes missing may be extremely painful with long-lasting effects on family and friends.