What term describes a beneficiary designation that translates to "by the head"?

The term that translates to "by the head" is "Per Capita." In estate planning and beneficiary designations, this term is used to indicate how an estate or assets will be distributed among beneficiaries. When an asset is distributed per capita, each living beneficiary receives an equal share of the estate.

This method ensures that if a beneficiary has predeceased the individual leaving the estate, their share does not get passed down to their descendants but is instead redistributed among the surviving beneficiaries equally. This is particularly useful to create fairness among living beneficiaries based solely on who is alive at the time of distribution, rather than by their familial line or ancestry.

In contrast, "Per Stirpes" refers to distribution by branch, meaning that if a beneficiary predeceases the decedent, their share goes to their descendants rather than being divided among the surviving beneficiaries directly. The other options, "By-line" and "Life Tenant," do not pertain to this specific context of beneficiary designation terminology. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify how assets are allocated upon someone's death, ensuring that individuals can make informed decisions about their estate planning.