Pronunciation: [ɪn stˈɜːps] (IPA) 
The phrase "in stirpes" means that assets will be divided among descendants in groups, rather than equally among individuals. The spelling is "in" followed by the Latin word "stirpes" (pronounced "sti:piz"), which means "branches" or "roots". The "s" in "stirpes" is pronounced like a "z" sound, and the "e" in the second syllable is short. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ɪn ˈstɜːrpiːz/.
In stirpes is a Latin legal term commonly used in the field of inheritance and estate planning. It refers to a method of distributing an estate or property among the descendants of a deceased person, in a way that follows a family line. This term comes from the Latin phrase "in stirpes familiae," which translates to "into the branches of the family."
The concept of in stirpes involves dividing an estate among different branches or lines of the family, usually based on the degree of relationship to the deceased individual. Each branch or line of descendants receives an equal share of the inheritance, regardless of the number of individuals within that branch.
The in stirpes distribution method is typically employed when the primary beneficiary of an estate predeceases the decedent, and instead of allowing the inheritance to pass to the deceased beneficiary's heirs, it is allocated to the deceased beneficiary's branch of the family. This method ensures that each branch or line receives a fair share of the inheritance, regardless of the number of individuals or generations within each branch.
In stirpes can provide a more equitable distribution of assets among a deceased individual's descendants, especially when some of them have predeceased the decedent. It is commonly used in wills and estate plans to ensure a systematic and fair transfer of wealth within the family, preserving the intention of the deceased's wishes and maintaining the family's lineage.
The term "in stirpes" has its roots in Latin. "In" means "in" or "into" in Latin, and "stirpes" is the plural form of the word "stirps", which means "stock" or "root". In the context of inheritance, "in stirpes" refers to distributing an estate among the branches or descendants of a deceased person according to their lines of descent. This term is commonly used in legal documents and wills to specify how assets should be divided among the different generations of a family.
