The Presumption of Death Act 2013 received Royal Assent on 26 March 2013. Sections 9 and 15(4) of and schedule 1 to the Act (so far as they confer a power to make rules or regulations) and sections 17 to 24 (inclusive) came into force on that date. The remainder of the Act will be brought into force by order made by statutory instrument on a date to be appointed by the Secretary of State.

The Ministry of Justice and the General Register Office are working to create the necessary rules of court and registration regulations and the associated procedures. It is expected that this work will be completed in time for the remaining provisions of the Act to be brought into force in April 2014. However, this date is not certain and I will make a further statement regarding the timing of commencement before the end of 2013.