Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term that refers to the distribution of an estate by the root of the bloodline is "per stirpes." This legal term is used in the context of inheritance and wills to ensure that if a beneficiary (like a child) predeceases the testator (the person who has made the will), that beneficiary's share of the estate is distributed to their own descendants (such as the grandchildren of the testator) rather than pooling it back into the estate for redistribution among the remaining beneficiaries. This method honors the lineage and ensures that wealth is passed down through generations according to the family hierarchy.

In contrast, “per capita” refers to distribution on an equal basis among living relatives, without regard to the bloodline hierarchy. "Direct descent" is a more general phrase that doesn't specifically describe the legal distribution of assets in a will. "Generational divide" is also not a recognized legal term within estate distribution contexts, likely referring more to sociological concepts rather than inheritance practices. Thus, "per stirpes" is the correct choice as it specifically defines the bloodline-based method of estate distribution.