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 New Mexico, 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 is the person whose estate is being managed or distributed after their death. New Mexico statutes govern the process of probate, which is the legal process for settling a decedent's estate, whether they died testate (with a will) or intestate (without a will). The New Mexico Probate Code outlines the procedures for appointing a personal representative, also known as an executor, to manage the decedent's estate, pay debts, and distribute assets to beneficiaries according to the decedent's will or, if there is no will, in accordance with state intestacy laws. The rights of heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors, as well as the duties of the personal representative, are all defined under New Mexico law.