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 Utah, as in other states, the term 'decedent' refers to an individual who has passed away. The legal matters concerning a decedent's estate are governed by Utah's probate laws, which are found in Title 75 of the Utah Code, also known as the Utah Uniform Probate Code. These laws outline the procedures for handling a decedent's estate, including the distribution of assets according to the decedent's will (if one exists) or, in the absence of a will, according to Utah's intestacy statutes. The probate process involves validating the will, appointing a personal representative or executor, inventorying the decedent's assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries. If the decedent had established trusts, the administration of these trusts would be governed by the terms of the trust documents and relevant state laws.