Decedent
An individual who has died. The term literally means "one who is dying," but it is commonly used in the law to denote one who has died, particularly someone who has recently passed away.
A decedent's estate is the real and PERSONAL PROPERTY that an individual owns upon his or her death.
Additional topics
Law Library - American Law and Legal InformationFree Legal Encyclopedia: Crossâcontamination to Deed of covenant