The legal term “decedent” refers to a person who has died. It is often used in contexts such as probate law, estate planning, and taxation. The term comes from the Latin word “decedens” which means to die, depart, or go away.
Estate Law and Taxation
In estate law, a decedent is a person who has passed away and left behind an estate. The legal documents associated with the estate of a decedent include their last will and testament, and other documents such as titles and deeds. These documents are used to determine how the estate is to be divided among heirs and beneficiaries.
In taxation, a decedent’s estate is usually subject to taxation. Federal and state estate tax laws may also apply, depending on the size of the estate and the beneficiary or beneficiaries. The Internal Revenue Service has specific rules for filing taxes related to a decedent’s estate. Generally, the executor of the estate (as designated in the decedent’s will) is responsible for filing all necessary tax paperwork.
Modern Examples of Decedents
An example of a modern decedent would be Apple founder Steve Jobs, who died in 2011. His estate was subject to federal and state estate taxes, and the executor (his widow, Laurene Powell Jobs) was responsible for filing all necessary tax paperwork for the estate.
Another modern example of a decedent is the actor and comedian Robin Williams, who died in 2018. His estate was subject to federal and state estate taxes, and the executor (his third wife, Susan Schneider Williams) was responsible for filing all necessary tax paperwork for the estate.
Conclusion
The legal term ‘decedent’ refers to a person who has died and left behind an estate. It is commonly used in contexts such as probate law, estate planning, and taxation. A modern example of a decedent is Steve Jobs or Robin Williams, whose estates were subject to federal and state estate taxes, and whose executors were responsible for filing all necessary tax paperwork.