Wills are often crafted during thoughtful moments, determining the future of someone’s assets and legacy.
While they usually follow a predictable formula, there are those that veer off the beaten path, leaving family members in awe and legal experts puzzled. Here, we explore some of the most astonishing will stipulations, as shared by users on forums such as Reddit.
A Trust Fund for a Pet Fish
A seasoned solicitor recalled a client who wished to set aside a whopping £100,000 trust fund for her pet goldfish. Her peculiar instructions included feeding the fish fresh avocado every day.
The care of her beloved goldfish was to be entrusted to a local dog walker after her passing. Though this request might sound whimsical, she was completely earnest about these arrangements.
Secret Daughter Beneficiary
In a jaw-dropping revelation, a woman disclosed the existence of a secret daughter, to whom she left her entire estate and family photographs. This bombshell excluded her unsuspecting husband and other family members. When the will was finally executed, heated family discussions ensued.
Luxury SUV for a Bus Driver
In a touching act of recognition, an elderly woman willed her property and belongings to a bus driver she never knew personally but admired from a distance. Her family contested this decision, alleging undue influence. However, it came to light that the driver’s genuine acts of kindness towards the woman were purely altruistic, making the inheritance a sincere tribute.
Springloaded Coffin Clause
Another eccentric will featured a request for a spring-loaded coffin, designed to startle any future archaeologists. If the cost proved prohibitive, cremation was the alternative, with her ashes to be scattered at a specified location. This quirky provision left her kin and legal advisers equally puzzled.
Euthanizing a Beloved Horse
One testament called for the euthanasia and cremation of a cherished horse, with the ashes to be mixed with the owner’s own. Thankfully, the horse in question had already passed, sparing both ethical dilemmas and heartache.
Conditional Inheritance for Weight Loss and Dental Visits
In a will laden with conditions, one heir was required to visit a dentist regularly to receive his share, while another needed to drop 70 pounds. Such stipulations, though unconventional, often lead to vibrant legal disputes and strained relations among beneficiaries.
Hidden Fortune to a Taxi Driver
The belief that a hidden fortune awaited turned to a twist-filled tale when an elder lady chose to leave her estate to a regular taxi driver. Her friend, erstwhile beneficiary, was blindsided, launching a court challenge that underscored the client’s clear intent.
Unique Inheritance Conditions
We’ve seen wills where inheritance hinges on unusual conditions, like ensuring one’s teeth remain in good health or achieving significant weight loss. These directives, steeped in quirks, often reflect deeper familial tensions.
Extensive Itemized Bequests
In a voluminous 56-page will, one woman meticulously cataloged the distribution of every household item. Though detailed, this approach led to protracted disputes among relatives, highlighting the pitfalls of excessive completeness in wills.
Burial on Private Property Next to a Deceased Husband
Private burials carry their own legalities, yet one widow’s unwavering wish was to rest beside her late husband on their land. Adding to the intrigue, she left unclear if her spouse had been cremated or not, befuddling her family as they navigated this request.
Immediate Zoo Visit After Burial
A soul decided that a post-burial family trip to the zoo would best memorialize him. Reception to such a notion was mixed, with some seeing a sentimental charm, others viewing it skeptically.
Inheritance to an Elvis Impersonator
Defying conventional norms, a wealthy individual amended his will to favor an Elvis look-alike, leaving traditional heirs bemused. Such decisions offer reflections on the eccentric relationships people maintain.
Single Beneficiary with Hidden Agenda
In complex twists of fate, a parent’s intended hart was found culpable for their deaths, thus illuminating the darker sides of inheritance motivations.
Revenge Through Pet Inheritance
Fed up with their children’s affection for family cats, some parents cleverly assigned their full estate to charities, leaving the pets to the kids.
Outrageous Bequest to City Council
A continuous spat over land saw one man bequeath his outhouse contents to the City Council, skewered in humorous legacy by children who delivered this gift.
Hidden Fortune with Specific Conditions
Upon unveiling of a will, staunch requirements were posed: living in simplicity, volunteering at an animal shelter, and sharing insights on humility—all before potential inheritance could be realized.
Conclusion
These narratives of extraordinary wills explore themes from benevolence to retribution, ultimately highlighting how such documents reveal genuine human nature and humor. The power of a will extends beyond wealth, shaping the dynamics left in its wake.
