In legal contexts, a “decedent” refers to a person who has died, particularly in the context of matters related to their estate or inheritance. After someone passes away, they are referred to as the decedent, and their estate goes through probate, a legal process in which their assets are managed, debts are settled, and property is distributed to beneficiaries or heirs according to their will or state laws if there is no will. The term decedent is commonly used in legal documents and proceedings related to estate administration and inheritance.
A person who has died.
n. the person who has died, sometimes referred to as the “deceased.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/decedent/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Decedent. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 01 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/decedent/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Decedent. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/decedent/ (accessed: May 01 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Decedent. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 01 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/decedent/