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Glossary

What does per stirpes mean?

Ask this question, then follow the related links in The Estate Guide to review context and sources.

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General information

The answer summarizes reviewed material from The Estate Guide and should identify when a statement is only a general U.S. explanation.

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Document interpretation, elections, filing positions, drafting, suitability, and fact-specific decisions belong with qualified professionals.

Worked example

Question: Does a will control every asset at death?

Educational answer: Usually not. A will generally directs property that reaches the probate estate. Joint survivorship rights, valid beneficiary designations, trust ownership, and entity agreements may govern other property, subject to state law and the controlling documents or contracts.

Review wills · Review beneficiary designations · Review probate

Start planning

What Is Estate Planning?Last Will and TestamentBeneficiary DesignationsFinancial Power of AttorneyAdvance Health Care Directive and Living Will

Trusts

Revocable Living TrustIrrevocable TrustThird-Party Special Needs Trust

Taxes

Federal Estate TaxFederal Gift Tax and Form 709Generation-Skipping Transfer TaxIncome-Tax Basis at DeathState Estate and Inheritance Taxes

Administration

What Is Probate?Probate TimelineExecutor ResponsibilitiesWhat to Do After a DeathChoose Executors, Trustees, and Agents

Tools

Estate Planning WorkbenchFederal Estate Tax CalculatorGift Tax Reporting IllustratorProbate Cost EstimatorEstate Liquidity CalculatorInherited Asset Basis IllustratorEstate plan checklistMap your estate