per stirpes
adverb or adjective
per stir·pes
| \ pər-ˈstər-pēz
, per-ˈstir-pās\
, per-ˈstir-pās\
Definition of per stirpes
: 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
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More Definitions for per stirpes
per stirpes
adverb or adjective
per stir·pes
| \ pər-ˈstər-pēz, per-ˈstir-pās
\
\
Legal Definition of per stirpes
: 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.