Understanding Per Stirpes Meaning In Estate Planning

How Per Stirpes Works

Per Stirpes is a legal term used in estate planning and inheritance law, which refers to a method of distributing an estate where the assets are divided equally among the branches of the family.¹

Under the Per Stirpes approach, if a beneficiary dies before the testator (the person who made the will), their share of the inheritance is not lost. Instead, it is divided equally among their descendants.

This distribution method ensures that a deceased beneficiary's descendants still receive their intended share, thus maintaining the balance of inheritance as originally planned by the testator.

Per Stirpes designation can be applied in various aspects of estate planning, including wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations for retirement accounts and life insurance policies.

An Example Of Per Stirpes Inheritance

Suppose there is a person named Alex who has three children: Brian, Chloe, and Daniel. Alex has a will that states their estate should be equally divided Per Stirpes.

Distribution:

• Brian has two children, Emma and Frank.
• Chloe has no children.
• Daniel has one child, Grace.

Before Alex passes away, Daniel dies.

Inheritance Outcome:

• Brian, being alive, receives one-third of Alex's estate directly.
• Chloe, also being alive, receives one-third of the estate directly.
• Daniel's share does not simply vanish because he predeceased Alex. Instead, his one-third share passes to his child, Grace.

In this example, Per Stirpes ensures that the descendants of Daniel (in this case, Grace) still receive the inheritance that would have gone to Daniel if he had been alive. This method ensures that the inheritance is distributed down the family line in equal shares, even if one of the original beneficiaries (Daniel) is no longer living.

The Difference Between Per Stirpes Vs Per Capita Distribution

Per Stirpes and Per Capita are two methods of distributing assets in an estate. The difference between them lies in how an estate is divided among beneficiaries:

• Per Stirpes is a Latin phrase that means "by the roots" or "by the branch."² Refers to a method of inheritance distribution that ensures your assets are passed down through your family line, even if a designated beneficiary passes away before you. This approach prioritizes maintaining family ties and ensuring each branch of your family receives a fair share of your estate.
• Per Capita is a Latin phrase that means "by the head" or "per person."³ Refers to a method of inheritance distribution where remaining living beneficiaries receive an equal share of the estate, regardless of their family lineage. This approach is more straightforward to administer than per stirpes inheritance, but it may not be fair to all beneficiaries if some have more descendants than others.

Does Per Stirpes Include The Spouse?

No, Per Stirpes distribution does not generally include the surviving spouse. This is because per stirpes distribution is primarily concerned with passing assets down through the family line of the deceased person, focusing on their lineal descendants (children, grandchildren, and so on).

On the other hand, the surviving spouse is not considered a lineal descendant but rather a separate inheritor under the laws of intestate succession or the terms of a will. Their inheritance is typically treated separately from the Per Stirpes distribution, ensuring they receive their rightful estate share.

Does Per Stirpes Include Stepchildren?

No, Per Stirpes distribution does not include stepchildren unless the testator has legally adopted them. This is because stepchildren are not considered to be lineal descendants of the testator under the law. Lineal descendants, such as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, are directly descended from the testator.

If a testator wants to include their stepchildren in their will, they must specifically name them as beneficiaries. They can also adopt their stepchildren, which would make them beneficiaries' heirs and entitle them to inherit under per stirpes distribution.

Pros: Benefits of Per Stirpes Distribution

Per stirpes distribution in estate planning offers several benefits:

1. Ensures Fairness Across Generations: Per stirpes ensures that a deceased beneficiary's descendants still receive a share of the estate. This approach maintains fairness by ensuring that each branch of the family receives its intended portion of the estate, even if the original beneficiary has passed away.
2. Prevents Disinheritance of Grandchildren: In cases where a beneficiary (such as a child of the deceased) predeceases the testator, Per Stirpes prevents the unintentional disinheritance of their children (the testator's grandchildren). It ensures that the share for a deceased beneficiary is passed on to their descendants.
3. Reflects Testator's Wishes After Their Death: Per Stirpes helps carry out the testator's wishes as closely as possible, even when the family structure changes due to the death of a beneficiary. It respects the lineage of inheritance that the testator likely intended.
4. Simplifies Estate Planning for Large Families: For testators with large families, Per Stirpes offers a straightforward method to divide their estate without needing to constantly update the will or trust as family circumstances change (like births, deaths, or marriages).
5. Reduces Conflicts Among Heirs: By clearly defining how the assets will be distributed in the event of a beneficiary's death, per stirpes can reduce potential conflicts among heirs, as the distribution rules are clearly outlined and based on family lineage.
6. Flexibility in Estate Distribution: Per stirpes allows for flexibility in planning, as it automatically adjusts the distribution based on the living descendants of the original beneficiaries, which can be particularly useful in dynamic family situations.

Overall, Per Stirpes distribution is beneficial in ensuring a fair and equitable division of an estate, reflecting the testator's wishes, reducing potential family conflicts, and providing clarity and simplicity in estate planning, especially in complex family structures.

Cons: Drawbacks of Per Stirpes Distribution

While Per Stirpes distribution in estate planning has its benefits, it also comes with certain drawbacks:

1. Potential for Unequal Distributions: Per Stirpes can result in unequal distributions among grandchildren. For instance, if one beneficiary has more children than another, the deceased beneficiary's share divided among their children may result in smaller individual portions than cousins who are their respective parents' sole children.
2. Complexity in Large Families: Per Stirpes can become complicated in families with many descendants, especially when multiple generations are involved. Tracking the lineage and ensuring the accurate division of the estate can be challenging.
3. May Not Reflect Current Relationships: Per Stirpes does not account for the current relationship between the testator and their descendants. A grandchild the testator never knew or had a relationship with could inherit a significant portion of the estate, while closer family members might receive less.
4. Inflexibility with Changes in Family Dynamics: Although Per Stirpes provides a clear guideline, it lacks the flexibility to adapt to changes in family dynamics or the testator's wishes towards individual beneficiaries after the will or trust is created.
5. Possibility of Minor Beneficiaries: Per Stirpes can result in minors inheriting property, which may necessitate the establishment of trusts or guardianships, adding to the administrative burden and costs.
6. Not Suitable for All Estate Plans: Per Stirpes may not be suitable for all types of estate plans, particularly those where the testator wishes to distribute assets based on need or personal relationships rather than lineage.

Understanding these drawbacks is crucial for individuals when deciding how to structure their estate plan and whether per stirpes distribution aligns with their intentions and family dynamics.

Is Per Stirpes Distribution Right for You?

Determining whether Per Stirpes distribution is a good idea involves considering several factors:

• Family Structure and Size: Per Stirpes is often suitable for those with a clear family tree and a desire to keep the estate within the family lineage. If you have multiple children and grandchildren, Per Stirpes can ensure that each family branch is treated equally.
• Generational Concerns: If you anticipate that your children's needs or circumstances may vary significantly and want to ensure that the surviving descendants of a deceased child are not disinherited, Per Stirpes can be a good choice.
• Relationship Dynamics: Consider your relationships with potential beneficiaries, as Per Stirpes might not be ideal if you want to distribute your wealth unevenly among individuals based on factors other than their family hierarchy.
• Future Changes in the Family: Consider potential future changes, such as births, deaths, and marriages. Per Stirpes can simplify estate planning amidst these changes, as it automatically adjusts to the family's structure at the time of your passing.
• Administrative Simplicity: While per stirpes can simplify distribution, it can become complex in large families. Consider if your estate's executor can manage this distribution method.
• Legal and Tax Implications: Understand the legal and tax implications of a per stirpes distribution, as it might affect estate taxes or the creation of trusts for minor beneficiaries.
• Your Estate Planning Goals: Reflect on your overall goals for your estate. If ensuring equal distribution across branches of the family is important, per stirpes could be suitable.
• Consultation with Professionals: Discuss with estate planning attorneys and financial advisors. They can provide insights about your situation and help determine if Per Stirpes aligns with your estate planning objectives.

Ultimately, deciding if Per Stirpes distribution suits you depends on your unique family circumstances and estate planning objectives. It's a decision that should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a qualified estate planning attorney and certified financial planner to ensure that your estate is distributed in a way that aligns with your wishes and provides for your heirs in the manner you intend.

Sources

1. American Bar Association - Glossary of Estate Planning Terms. https://www.americanbar.org/groups/real_property_trust_estate/resources/estate_planning/glossary/#P.
2. Legal Information Institute - Per Stirpes. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/per_stirpes.
3. Legal Information Institute - Per Capita. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/per_capita.
4. Free Will from Fabric by Gerber Life, a member of the Western & Southern Financial Group Family of Companies. https://www.westernsouthern.com/about/family-of-companies.