The ruling will then allow families to begin the process of accessing their estate.
A new law allowing the courts to issue a presumption of death order for a missing person will come into effect next month.
Laois TD and Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan is bringing in the law which, when issued has the same effect as a registration of death.
Judges will have to consider a number of factors including time, location and circumstances of the disappearance before making their decision.
Its hoped the change will make it easier for families of missing persons to access their estate.
Currently the process can take up to seven years.
Chairperson of the National Missing Persons Helpline - Mullingar's Dermot Browne is welcoming the bill:
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