per stirpes

adverb or adjective

per stir·​pes pər-ˈstər-pēz 

per-ˈstir-pās

: in equal shares to each member of a specified class with the share of a deceased member divided proportionately among his or her beneficiaries (such as children)

the estate was divided per stirpes

Examples of per stirpes in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All of your financial accounts should have beneficiaries and include the words ‘per stirpes’ at the end of each name. —Orlando Sentinel, 29 Sep. 2022

The power of appointment provides that, if Mom does not exercise the power, then upon Mom's death, Dad’s descendants are entitled to the remainder interest, per stirpes. —Alan Gassman, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Latin, by familial stocks

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

per stirpes

adverb or adjective

per stir·​pes pər-ˈstər-pēz, per-ˈstir-pās 

: by right of representation

the estate was divided per stirpes

—used of a method of distributing an especially intestate estate compare per capita

Note: Per stirpes distribution provides for division of an estate equally among the members of the group of descendants having a particular degree of kinship (as children), with the issue (that is, the offspring) of a deceased member of that group representing the deceased member, taking the deceased member's share, and dividing it equally among themselves. For example, if a decedent had three children, one of whom had already died leaving issue, the estate would be divided into thirds, with each living child receiving a one-third share, and the issue of the deceased child dividing a one-third share equally amongst themselves.

Etymology

Latin, by familial stocks