A decedent (pronounced da-See-dunt) is a deceased person. This term is commonly used to refer to a deceased person in the law of wills, trusts, and estates.
In Alabama, the term 'decedent' refers to an individual who has passed away. In the context of wills, trusts, and estates law, the decedent is the person whose estate is being managed or distributed after their death. Alabama law governs the distribution of a decedent's assets through the Alabama Probate Code. If the decedent had a valid will, the estate is distributed according to the wishes expressed in that will. If there is no will, or the will does not dispose of all the decedent's property, Alabama's intestacy laws will determine how the estate is divided among the decedent's heirs. The probate process in Alabama involves the court overseeing the payment of debts and the distribution of the estate's assets, either as directed by the will or by state intestacy laws if there is no will.