Per Stirpes: Definition and How to Use for Estate Planning

Per stirpes, which is Latin for “by branch,” “by roots” or “by stalk,” is an estate planning method in a will or trust to specify that if one of your beneficiaries dies before you do, their share of your estate is divided equally among the deceased beneficiary's descendants.

It’s difficult to consider the possibility that your beneficiaries might die before you do, but planning for that helps ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes, regardless of circumstances. Here’s what to know.

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Per stirpes distribution means that each beneficiary’s family branch receives the share of assets specified in your will — regardless of whether each specific beneficiary is alive or dead when you die.

This designation covers as many generations as is necessary to carry out your will, so a share of your estate may go to a deceased beneficiary’s children, grandchildren or even great-grandchildren ^[0]

Adopted children are included in this lineal distribution and typically will inherit just as a biological child does — but unadopted stepchildren and spouses of beneficiaries typically won’t inherit under per stirpes.

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Here are a few examples of how a per stirpes distribution could play out in a will.

Example 1

Donna is a widow who wills her assets to her three children (Erin, Jerry and Steve) to be divided in equal shares, per stirpes. Jerry dies before Donna does, so when Donna passes, Erin and Steve each receive one-third of Donna’s assets. Jerry’s share is divided equally between his two children, which means they each receive one-sixth of Donna's estate.

Example 2

Andrew has no spouse or children, so he wills his assets to be divided equally between his two closest lifelong friends, Barry and Ted, per stirpes. Ted and his children all die unexpectedly before Andrew. However, Ted has one surviving granddaughter, Lisa, who then receives Ted’s share of the inheritance when Andrew dies.

Example 3

Eric wills his entire estate to his two daughters, Ann and Bethany, to be distributed in equal shares, per stirpes. Ann dies before Eric, but she never had children. Bethany thus inherits the entirety of Eric’s estate.

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Advantages of per stirpes

• Can save time. No need to update your will when additional children or grandchildren are born to your beneficiaries or if one of your beneficiaries dies before you do.

• Gives you more control. Per stirpes allows you to keep your assets within each branch of your family, even if a beneficiary predeceases you.

• Minimizes the risk of disputes. The linear approach may reduce the chance of family conflict over distribution.

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Downsides of per stirpes

• May create uneven inheritances. Assets could be distributed unequally if some beneficiaries have more children than others.

• May inadvertently involve other people. Someone you don’t want may end up managing some of your assets, for example, if an in-law is responsible for handling the assets of a minor child.

• May inadvertently exclude some people. Per stirpes doesn’t include stepchildren whom your beneficiary hasn’t legally adopted; stepchildren aren’t considered lineal descendants — even if your beneficiary raised their stepchildren since birth. You’ll need to name stepchildren of your beneficiaries in your will specifically if you want them to inherit a share in the event of your beneficiary’s death ^[0]

  New York State Bar Association. The Basics of Will Drafting. Accessed Jul 14, 2023.

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The main difference between per stirpes and per capita designations is who gets your assets if a beneficiary dies before you do. Although both designations are ways to name backup beneficiaries, in a will or trust with a per stirpes designation, the beneficiary's share of your estate automatically goes to their kids. In a will or trust with a per capita designation, the beneficiary's share of your estate automatically goes to your other beneficiaries ^[0]

Per capita is Latin for “by head” and involves distribution to specific individuals rather than branches of a family. This designation means each of your beneficiaries only receives a share of your estate if they’re still alive when you die. If a beneficiary dies before you do, their share is divided among the remaining living beneficiaries. The children of a deceased beneficiary wouldn’t receive anything ^[0]

It’s important to be clear about per stirpes and per capita distributions in your will because if you don’t specify which designation you prefer, the final distribution of your assets (via probate court) may not reflect your preferences.