Katharine Paljug is a financial writer and editor with over a decade of industry experience. Her writing has covered nearly every aspect of the financial world, from investing in forex to paying for ...

Per stirpes is a legal term used in the law governing inheritance and estate. It is a designation that decrees how the assets of a testator (person making the will) will be distributed when a ...

When creating an estate plan, one of the most basic documents you may wish to include is a will. If you have a more complicated estate, you might also need to have a trust in place. Both a will and a ...

Per stirpes ensures descendants inherit an equal share of an estate, even if an heir predeceases. Per capita divides estate equally only among living heirs, excluding descendants of deceased heirs.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Ashley L. Case, J.D., LL.M., writes about tax and estate planning. Our generous host has planned a festive gathering for her eager ...