Decedent is one of the elements of succession. Is a general term applied to the person whose property is transmitted through succession, whether or not he left a will. If he left a will, he is called a testator (Art. 775 NCC).
Next element is Inheritance that include all the property, rights and obligations of a person which are not extinguished by death and all which have accrued thereto since the opening of succession. Rights which are purely personal are not transmissible for they are extinguished by death (Art. 776 NCC).
Lastly, Successors. An heir or successor is a person who is called to the succession either the provision of a will or by operation of law (Art. 782 NCC). Devisees and legatees are persons to whom gifts of real and personal property are respectively given by virtue of a will.
