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 Hawaii, 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 Hawaii's probate laws. When a person dies, their estate goes through a legal process known as probate, where the court oversees the distribution of the estate to the rightful heirs and beneficiaries. 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 Hawaii's intestacy laws, which outline a hierarchy of heirs. Additionally, trusts and other estate planning tools can be used to manage and distribute a decedent's assets outside of the probate process. It is advisable for individuals to consult with an attorney to navigate the complexities of estate planning and probate proceedings in Hawaii.