At a court hearing to decide if someone is presumed dead, anyone can testify — including a spouse or someone who stands to inherit money or property. Being related to or having a financial interest in the missing person's estate does not stop someone from being a witness.
473.700. Who may testify. — At the the court shall receive such legal evidence as shall be offered, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the is established; and no person shall be by reason of his or her relationship as husband or wife to the supposed , or by reason of his or her interest in the of the person supposed to be dead.
(RSMo 1939 § 265)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 266; 1919 § 265; 1909 § 272
Tap any gold-underlined word to see what it means.
Related Missouri laws
Letters of administration for persons absent for five or more years
RSMo 473.697
Publication of finding
RSMo 473.703
Effect of law on reciprocal corporate fiduciaries law
RSMo 473.694
Issuance of letters, when
RSMo 473.707
Adjudication against any personal representative of estate binding on local personal representative
RSMo 473.692
Debtor or custodian may pay or deliver personal property to foreign representative, when
RSMo 473.691
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.