--- title: What Does Per Stirpes Mean For Beneficiaries In A Will? description: Per stirpes translates from Latin to “by branch” or “by root.” When placed in a will, it refers to a family tree. image: https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/Images/photo/abstract/pen-on-will-IS-1147159720.jpg --- [![Realized 1031 Exchange Marketplace](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Brand/Logo/Realized/Realized-Logo-Black.png?width=240&height=80&name=Realized-Logo-Black.png "Realized 1031 Logo") ](https://www.realized1031.com/) - [Wealth Management Gap](https://www.realized1031.com/the-wealth-management-gap) - [Our Process](https://www.realized1031.com/how-realized-works) - [Financial Advisors](https://www.realized1031.com/advisor) - [Resources](https://www.realized1031.com/resources) - [The Company](https://www.realized1031.com/about-us) - [Articles](https://www.realized1031.com/blog) [Register](https://www.realized1031.com/marketplace) [Log In](https://www.realized1031.com/login) - Better Business Bureau Rating: **A+** - [FINRA BrokerCheck](https://brokercheck.finra.org/firm/summary/22333) - [Call](tel:1-877-797-1031) **(877) 797-1031** # What Does Per Stirpes Mean For Beneficiaries In A Will? Posted Jan 6, 2023 ![pen-on-will-IS-1147159720](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/photo/abstract/pen-on-will-IS-1147159720.jpg?width=648&height=313&name=pen-on-will-IS-1147159720.jpg) When you are creating your estate plan, it is important to look beyond your primary [beneficiaries](https://www.realized1031.com/blog/how-many-beneficiaries-can-you-have) and consider what happens to their inheritance if they precede you in death. If you add a per stirpes distribution to your will, the beneficiary's share of your assets will pass to their direct descendants if they die before you.  Per stirpes translates from Latin to “by branch” or “by root.” When placed in a will, it refers to a family tree. If a beneficiary dies, the next line of heirs in their family line will get their inheritance upon the grantor’s death. This includes children and grandchildren. It only applies to blood-related relatives or legally adopted children.  ### What Is The Difference Between Per Stirpes And Per Capita?  There is another option you can add to a will if you don’t want a beneficiary's inheritance to pass to their heirs if they precede you in death. A per capita distribution means that instead of being passed to descendants, the beneficiary's inheritance will be split evenly between the remaining beneficiaries. If there are multiple generations named in the will, the inheritance passes to the line closest to the estate holder.  In a per capita, if you, as the grantor of the will, have three children who each have one child, the estate splits the deceased beneficiaries' inheritance between your two living children. In per stirpes, the inheritance would pass to the child of the deceased heir, not to your other children listed as beneficiaries.  The definition of descendant, or heir, in terms of per stirpes is children and grandchildren. For example, if a beneficiary passes away and they have three children, the estate divides the inheritance three ways. If the beneficiary that dies does not have a lineal family member, it will not go to another relative like a sibling, parent, or spouse.  If the deceased beneficiary doesn’t have a direct descendant and there is per stirpes in the will, the named assets are split between the remaining living beneficiaries when the grantor dies.  ### The Bottom Line Creating a comprehensive estate plan is complex. To ensure the [executor](https://www.realized1031.com/blog/can-an-executor-of-a-will-be-a-beneficiary) distributes your assets exactly as you wish after your death, it is essential to work with a lawyer or experienced estate planner. Different states and jurisdictions have different legal requirements, and a professional can help you navigate the process.  This material is for general information and educational purposes only. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. It should also not be construed as advice meeting the particular investment needs of any investor. Realized does not provide tax or legal advice. This material is not a substitute for seeking the advice of a qualified professional for your individual situation. 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Per stirpes translates from Latin to “by branch” or “by root.” When placed in a will, it refers to a family tree. If a beneficiary dies, the next line of heirs in their family line will get their inheritance upon the grantor’s death. This includes children and grandchildren. It only applies to blood-related relatives or legally adopted children. What Is The Difference Between Per Stirpes And Per Capita? There is another option you can add to a will if you don’t want a beneficiary's inheritance to pass to their heirs if they precede you in death. A per capita distribution means that instead of being passed to descendants, the beneficiary's inheritance will be split evenly between the remaining beneficiaries. If there are multiple generations named in the will, the inheritance passes to the line closest to the estate holder. In a per capita, if you, as the grantor of the will, have three children who each have one child, the estate splits the deceased beneficiaries' inheritance between your two living children. In per stirpes, the inheritance would pass to the child of the deceased heir, not to your other children listed as beneficiaries. The definition of descendant, or heir, in terms of per stirpes is children and grandchildren. For example, if a beneficiary passes away and they have three children, the estate divides the inheritance three ways. If the beneficiary that dies does not have a lineal family member, it will not go to another relative like a sibling, parent, or spouse. If the deceased beneficiary doesn’t have a direct descendant and there is per stirpes in the will, the named assets are split between the remaining living beneficiaries when the grantor dies. The Bottom Line Creating a comprehensive estate plan is complex. To ensure the executor distributes your assets exactly as you wish after your death, it is essential to work with a lawyer or experienced estate planner. Different states and jurisdictions have different legal requirements, and a professional can help you navigate the process.", "articleSection" : [ "Financial Planning" ], "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "email" : "marketing@realized1031.com", "image" : "", "name" : "The Realized Team", "url" : "https://www.realized1031.com/blog/author/the-realized-team" }, "dateModified" : "2023-01-07T01:00:00+0000", "datePublished" : "2023-01-07T01:00:00+0000", "description" : "Per stirpes translates from Latin to “by branch” or “by root.” When placed in a will, it refers to a family tree. 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