As part of FISA’s video series titled “Unpacking testamentary terminology”, Rumana Mahomed, FPSA®, and Daniel Marsh, FPSA®, discuss the terms ‘per stirpes vs per capita’ in this video.
The terms per stirpes and per capita play an important role in estate planning because they determine how an inheritance is distributed if a beneficiary dies before the testator.
Per stirpes ensures that a deceased beneficiary’s share passes to their descendants, preserving the family bloodline.
Per capita, however, redistributes that share equally among the surviving beneficiaries named in the will, with no provision for descendants.
Choosing the correct distribution method is a crucial part of drafting a will, as it can significantly affect who ultimately inherits.
Watch the video below.
