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 Rhode Island, 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. Rhode Island law outlines the procedures for handling a decedent's estate through the probate process, which is governed by Title 33 of the Rhode Island General Laws. This includes the appointment of an executor or administrator, the payment of debts and taxes, and the distribution of the decedent's assets to heirs or beneficiaries according to the decedent's will or, if there is no will, in accordance with Rhode Island's intestacy laws. Additionally, Rhode Island law provides for the creation and administration of trusts, which may have been established by the decedent during their lifetime or as directed by their will.