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 California, 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 death. California law, including the California Probate Code, governs the administration of a decedent's estate, which includes the collection of the decedent's assets, payment of debts and taxes, and distribution of the remaining assets to the rightful beneficiaries or heirs. If the decedent had a valid will, the estate is distributed according to the wishes expressed in the will. If there is no will, or the will is deemed invalid, the estate is distributed according to California's intestacy laws, which outline the order of inheritance based on the decedent's surviving family members.