A "decedent" is a legal term used to refer to a person who has died. This term is often used in legal contexts, such as in wills, estates, and probate proceedings. When someone passes away, their estate may need to be settled, and the decedent's assets and debts are addressed according to the law or their wishes. In matters of inheritance, the decedent's will outlines how their property and belongings should be distributed among heirs. If there is no will, the estate is distributed according to state laws, which may involve the court overseeing the process to ensure fair distribution among the heirs.