If a family does not know where the NCP lives (could be Oklahoma, might be New Hampshire) that will make the process of getting a waiver easier. If a family has not had any contact with the NCP in the last decade (meaning- not a single phone call, check, not a single mention by the NCP’s sibling or parent, etc.) that will make it easier. If the family knows- or believes from a reliable source, like a lawyer-- that the NCP is institutionalized- a long term care facility, prison, etc., that will make it easier.
If these things do not apply- and the family is reluctant to contact the NCP but could with a minimal amount of effort, then your results will vary. It will be evaluated based on YOUR reality, not on someone else’s.