Solicitor Peter Lawrence, 64, wants politicians to consider granting a guardian-style status to rela

THE father of missing chef Claudia Lawrence will visit the Commons this week to ask MPs and Lords to consider how to help families of missing people.

Solicitor Peter Lawrence, 64, wants politicians to consider granting a guardian-style status to relatives so they can sort out their loved one's financial affairs.

Claudia vanished in York in March 2009 and today , which is Claudia's 37th birthday, a vigil will be held for her at York Minister, led by the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu. He will also ask people to remember Madeleine McCann and other missing people.

Mr Lawrence has had to deal with many financial problems on behalf of his daughter.

Through his work with the charity Missing People he knows of the problems faced by others in his situation.

On Tuesday he will address the all-party parliamentary group for runaway and missing children and adults .

Martin Dales, family friend and spokesman, said: 'Peter was very able to deal with Claudia's affairs, although he found it upsetting, because he is a solicitor but other families in this awful situation have all sorts of problems and stresses. Peter believes members of both Houses need to address the situation .

'One of the main issues is what happens to a mortgage when a person goes missing and who is responsible for it and the bills.

'Relatives who are emotionally drained and trying to deal with the sudden disappearance of a loved one then have to untangle complex financial issues, which can be daunting and worrying.

'Peter believes there should be a guardianship system to make life easier .'

Peter is divorced from Claudia's mother Joan, who has spoken about how she is comforted by Kate McCann, whose daughter Madeleine vanished from the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz in Portugal in May 2007.

The two mothers, who share the same nightmare, have forged a close bond and hope to meet soon .