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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 Delaware, as in other states, a decedent refers to an individual who has passed away. The term is frequently used in the context of estate planning and the administration of estates. Upon the death of a decedent, Delaware law dictates the process for distributing the decedent's assets, either according to the decedent's will or, if there is no will, in accordance with Delaware's intestacy laws. The Delaware Code Title 12 governs matters related to wills, trusts, estates, and probate procedures. It outlines the responsibilities of executors or administrators who manage the decedent's estate, the rights of heirs and beneficiaries, and the procedures for probate, which is the legal process of settling the decedent's affairs. If a decedent has a valid will, the estate will be distributed according to its terms. If not, the estate will be distributed to the decedent's heirs according to the state's intestacy succession laws.

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Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

As a LegalFix Member You Will Be an Important Client of Local Law Firms

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Delaware State Code

Delaware State Code

Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

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