Wills have long been a way for people to leave their final thoughts—sometimes filled with love, other times with vengeance, and often containing unexpected surprises. From disinheriting family members to leaving fortunes to strangers, these documents have sparked shock, intrigue, and controversy among those left behind. Below are some fascinating and bizarre stories shared by Reddit users about the unusual clauses and legacies found in wills.
Many people begin thinking about their wills as they age, considering how best to provide for loved ones once they’re gone. For some, it’s a straightforward process in good health, while for others, it’s an emotional task prompted by a grim prognosis. Most wills divide assets among family and friends, but some include bizarre requests or leave legacies that are anything but predictable. Here are 17 examples of such surprising final wishes.
- The Trust Fund for a Fish
One solicitor recounted a woman who left £100,000 in a trust fund for her pet goldfish. The fish was to be fed fresh avocado daily and walked by a dog walker. She was serious. - A Hidden Daughter
A woman revealed in her will that she had a secret daughter. She left money and photographs to this daughter, ensuring the rest of her family remained unaware. - The Generous Bus Driver
An elderly woman left her house and possessions to her local bus driver, who had been kind to her. Her family was shocked and contested the will, but it stood as she was of sound mind when it was written. - The Spring-Loaded Coffin
A young man humorously requested a spring-loaded coffin to surprise future archaeologists. If this was too costly, he asked to be cremated instead. - The Horse’s Final Wish
A woman insisted her horse be euthanized, cremated, and its ashes scattered with hers. Luckily for the horse, the one named in the will had already passed away, sparing the replacement from an untimely fate. - Ashes Around the World
Some wills included requests for family members to travel the globe to spread the deceased’s ashes in specific locations. One will even offered a fortune to the Toronto-area woman with the most children by a certain date. - A Grandfather’s Tie
One Redditor’s grandfather left them a navy-blue tie with pink elephants, claiming it intimidated people in business. He wanted his grandchild to wear it for the same effect. - Inheritance Conditions
A mother stipulated that one son would only inherit his share after visiting a dentist, while another had to lose 70 pounds before claiming his portion. - The 56-Page Will
A woman wrote a 56-page will detailing every item in her home, down to the wooden ladle and toilet paper holder, and assigned them to specific people.
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