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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 Pennsylvania, 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. Pennsylvania law governs the distribution of the decedent's estate through the probate process if the individual died with a will (testate) or without a will (intestate). The probate process is overseen by the Orphans' Court in the county where the decedent resided. If the decedent had a will, the estate is distributed according to the wishes expressed in the will, as long as they are consistent with state law. If there is no will, the estate is distributed according to Pennsylvania's intestacy laws, which provide a hierarchy of heirs entitled to inherit. Additionally, certain assets, such as those held in joint tenancy or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance or retirement accounts), may pass outside of probate directly to the named beneficiaries.

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Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

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Pennsylvania State Code

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Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

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