Minnesota § 578.16 - PRESUMPTION OF DEATH FROM ABSENCE
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 578.16 — PRESUMPTION OF DEATH FROM ABSENCE, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 578.16. PRESUMPTION OF DEATH FROM ABSENCE
An absentee who is missing for a continuous period of four years, during which, after diligent search, the absentee has not been seen or heard of or from, and whose absence is not satisfactorily explained, shall be presumed, in any action or proceeding involving the property of the person, contractual or property rights contingent upon the absentee's death or the administration of the absentee's estate, to have died four years after the date the unexplained absence commenced. If the person was exposed to a specific peril of death, that fact may be a sufficient basis for determining that the absentee died less than four years after the date the absence commenced.
History:
1974 c 447 s 11; 1986 c 444; 2012 c 143 art 3 s 38
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 578.16
What does Minnesota Statutes § 578.16 cover?
Section 578.16 ("PRESUMPTION OF DEATH FROM ABSENCE") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 578.16?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 578.16" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 578.16 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.