Was Is per Stirpes?

Per Stirpes Beneficiary Designation
Per stirpes is a Latin phrase that translates literally to “by roots” or “by branch.” In the estate context, a per stirpes distribution means that a beneficiary's share passes to their lineal descendants if the beneficiary dies before the inheritance vests.

What does per stirpes translate to?

Per stirpes in Latin means "by branch," meaning, in this case, that a portion of the will must go to a person or that person's heirs. Per capita means that any surviving descendants of the same generation distribute property equally.

What does per stirpes literally mean?

“Per stirpes” literally means 'by roots or by representation.” Under a per stirpes distribution, each deceased member of one generation is represented by his or her descendants of the next succeeding generation. ... At the time of her death, both children predeceased her.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.