미국법상 대습상속의 법리

Rules of succession by representation in the United States - focusing on intestate succession under the Uniform Probate Code

This paper reviews provisions of the Uniform Probate Code(2019) which are relevant to succession by representation with the aim to analyze the difference between the United States and South Korea in terms of rules of succession by representation. As a result, four main differences were identified. First, blended families are taken into account in UPC Section 2-103. It means according to UPC-Section 2-103, half-siblings are entitled to inherit by representation. Furthermore, descendants of the intestate’s deceased spouse(s) who are not descendants of the intestate have inheritance rights, although they are able to inherit only when there are no surviving heirs of the decedent. Second, succession by representation of spouse is not admitted in the United States, which is different from South Korea. Third, the United States, unlike South Korea, a disclaimer of an interest property causes succession by representation. Finally, while per stirpes is adopted in South Korea, per capita at each generation system of representation is incorporated throughout representation by intestate succession under UPC Section 2-103. This paper also reviews the possibility of adoption of per capita at each generation system in South Korea and suggests a direction for relevant provisions in South Korea in granting inheritance rights to half-siblings.