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 Wisconsin, 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. Wisconsin statutes govern the process of probate, which is the legal procedure used to settle a decedent's estate, whether they died testate (with a will) or intestate (without a will). The Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 851 defines various terms related to decedents and their estates, and Chapters 852 to 879 provide detailed regulations on how estates are to be administered. These laws cover aspects such as the appointment of personal representatives, the distribution of assets to heirs or beneficiaries, creditor claims against the estate, and the handling of trusts that the decedent may have established. It is important for executors and beneficiaries to consult with an attorney to navigate the complexities of estate administration in accordance with Wisconsin law.