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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 South Carolina, as in other states, 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. South Carolina law governs the distribution of a decedent's assets through the probate process if the decedent died with a will (testate) or without a will (intestate). The probate court oversees this process to ensure that the decedent's debts are paid and that the remaining assets are distributed according to the decedent's will or, if there is no will, in accordance with state intestacy laws. The South Carolina Probate Code, found in Title 62 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, provides the legal framework for these matters, including the appointment of a personal representative to administer the estate, the rights of heirs and beneficiaries, and the procedures for contesting wills.

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Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

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South-Carolina State Code

South-Carolina State Code

Wills, trusts, and estates

decedent

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