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Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

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 Arkansas, as in other states, 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. Arkansas law governs the distribution of a decedent's assets through the probate process if the decedent died with a will (testate) or without a will (intestate). The Arkansas Probate Code outlines the procedures for administering an estate, including the appointment of a personal representative or executor, the payment of debts and taxes, and the distribution of the remaining assets to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries. If the decedent had established a trust, the trust document typically dictates how the trust assets are to be managed and distributed. These legal processes are designed to ensure that the decedent's wishes, as expressed in their will or trust, are honored, and that their assets are distributed according to Arkansas law if no will or trust exists.

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Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Arkansas State Code

Arkansas State Code

Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

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