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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 Kansas, as in other states, the term 'decedent' refers to an individual who has passed away. The legal matters concerning a decedent's estate are governed by the Kansas Probate Code, which is found in Chapters 59 and 60 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.). Upon the death of an individual, their assets and liabilities must be managed and settled. This process is known as probate. If the decedent had a valid will, the estate will be distributed according to the wishes expressed in that will. If there is no will, or the will does not dispose of all the decedent's property, the estate will be distributed according to Kansas's intestacy laws, which are designed to distribute the decedent's assets to their closest relatives. The probate process in Kansas is overseen by the district courts, and it involves the appointment of an executor (if there is a will) or an administrator (if there is no will) to manage the estate, pay debts, and distribute the remaining assets to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries.

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Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Kansas State Code

Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

Kansas State Code

Articles