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 Florida, the term 'decedent' refers to an individual who has passed away. The legal matters concerning a decedent, including the distribution of their assets, are governed by Florida's probate laws. When a person dies, their estate goes through a court-supervised process called probate, where assets are identified and distributed according to the decedent's will, if one exists, or according to Florida's intestacy laws if there is no will. The probate process also involves paying the decedent's debts and taxes. Florida Statutes Title XLII, Estates and Trusts, provide the framework for these proceedings. An attorney specializing in wills, trusts, and estates can provide guidance on the specific application of these laws for a decedent's estate.