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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 Indiana, 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's assets and liabilities become part of their estate upon death. Indiana law governs the distribution of the decedent's estate through the probate process, which is the legal process of administering the estate. 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 does not fully dispose of the estate, Indiana's intestacy laws will determine how the estate is divided among the decedent's heirs. The probate process in Indiana is overseen by the probate court in the county where the decedent resided at the time of their death. An executor or personal representative, often named in the will, is responsible for managing the estate, paying debts, and distributing assets to the beneficiaries.

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Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

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Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

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