What is a 'decedent' in legal terms?

In legal terms, a 'decedent' refers to a person who has died, particularly in relation to matters concerning their estate, such as wills and trusts. This term is often used in the context of probate law, which is the legal process that occurs after someone passes away, regarding the administration of their estate.

By identifying a person as a decedent, it establishes the individual's status as deceased, which is critical for determining how their assets will be managed, distributed, or handled according to their wishes laid out in a will or trust. The connection between the decedent's intentions – expressed through legal documents like wills or trusts – and the subsequent legal processes is fundamental in estate planning and fiduciary responsibilities.

Other options describe situations that do not accurately define a decedent. For instance, a person declared mentally incompetent is not deceased, and a living person contesting a trust or someone granting power of attorney is still alive, thereby eliminating those scenarios from qualifying as a definition of a decedent. Understanding the role of a decedent provides clarity on the processes that follow a person's death regarding asset distribution and the execution of their final wishes.