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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 Ohio, the term 'decedent' refers to an individual who has passed away. The legal matters concerning a decedent's estate are governed by Ohio's estate laws, which include the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Title 21 on Courts - Probate - Juvenile. When a person dies, their assets and liabilities become part of their estate. If the decedent had a valid will, the estate will be distributed according to the wishes expressed in the will, through a process called probate. If there is no will, or the will does not fully dispose of the estate, Ohio's intestacy laws will determine how the estate is distributed. These laws prioritize the decedent's surviving spouse, children, and other relatives in a specific order of succession. An executor (if there is a will) or an administrator (if there is no will or the will does not name an executor) will be appointed by the probate court to manage the estate's affairs, including paying debts and distributing assets to the rightful heirs.

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Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

As a LegalFix Member You Will Be an Important Client of Local Law Firms

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Ohio State Code

Ohio State Code

Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

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