People’s final wills often hold surprises—sometimes heartwarming, sometimes shocking, and occasionally downright vindictive. Whether driven by generosity or the desire for one last act of revenge, these legal documents have the power to change lives in unexpected ways.
Over the years, I’ve come across some of the most unusual final wishes, from family betrayals to secret inheritances. Here are some of the wildest stories shared by others that prove a will can either be a gift or a shocking revelation.
The Unexpected Turns of a Final Will
As people grow older, their thoughts naturally turn to the legacy they’ll leave behind. Drafting a will is often a practical step, ensuring their wishes are carried out. But in some cases, those wishes are anything but ordinary.
These firsthand accounts showcase the strangest, most unexpected, and sometimes amusing instructions left in wills.
1. The Goldfish Trust Fund
One solicitor, u/scarlett_pimpernel, shared a particularly unusual request:
“A woman wanted to create a trust fund of £100,000 for her pet fish. She insisted it be fed fresh avocado daily and cared for by a local dog walker after her passing. She was absolutely serious.”
2. The Secret Daughter No One Knew About
Some secrets remain buried—until they’re revealed in a will.
One woman’s final testament contained an explosive revelation:
“She confessed she had a secret daughter and left her a portion of her estate, along with photographs. No one in her family, not even her husband, knew she had another child. That revelation is going to lead to some difficult conversations.”
3. The Bus Driver’s Lucky Day
An elderly woman stunned everyone by leaving her house and belongings to… her bus driver.
“She did it because he was always kind and helped her with her groceries. Her family was left in complete shock when they found out.”
4. A Will with a Sense of Humor
While some take their final wishes seriously, others use their will for one last joke.
One Redditor shared:
“My funeral request was simple: I wanted to be buried in a spring-loaded coffin—so that opening it in the future would give archaeologists a good scare.”
5. ‘Bury My Horse with Me!’
One woman left behind a peculiar request regarding her beloved pet:
“She wanted her horse euthanized, cremated, and its ashes scattered alongside hers. Fortunately, the horse she named had already passed. The new horse? It lived happily on another farm.”
6. The Controlling Mother’s Final Orders
Even after death, some parents try to control their children’s choices.
“One son could only claim his inheritance if he visited a dentist. Another had to lose 70 pounds before receiving his share.”
7. The Zoo Day Clause
A Redditor shared a touching, yet quirky, request:
“A man’s will mandated that his entire family visit the zoo immediately after his funeral. No exceptions. It was his final way of ensuring they spent time together.”
Continue reading on next page…