Here is a sample scenario to illustrate the application of per stirpes in a will. Alex, the testator, has three children: Ben, Cam, and Dan. He assigns his assets to each of them in equal shares, per stirpes. Cam has a son, Greg. Ben and Dan do not have children. Cam dies ahead of her father, Alex. Ben and Dan will each receive one-third of Alex’s estate. Cam’s son, Greg, will inherit her share by representation and will get one-third of Alex’s estate.