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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 New Jersey, 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. New Jersey law governs the distribution of the decedent's estate through the probate process if the decedent had a will, or through the state's intestacy laws if the decedent died without a will. The probate process is overseen by the Surrogate's Court in the county where the decedent resided. The executor named in the will, or an administrator appointed by the court in the absence of a will, is responsible for managing the estate, paying debts, and distributing assets to the beneficiaries. New Jersey has specific statutes that address the rights of heirs, the duties of executors and administrators, and the procedures for handling the estate of a decedent.

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Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

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New-Jersey State Code

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Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

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