When it comes to wills, most people imagine a straightforward document dividing assets among loved ones. However, life—and death—can take unexpected turns. From disowning family members to leaving fortunes to strangers or pets, wills have often been used as a stage for last-minute surprises, heartfelt gestures, or even calculated acts of revenge.
Here are some of the most shocking and unusual will stories shared by Redditors, proving that the contents of a will can be as unpredictable as life itself.
1. The £100,000 Goldfish Trust Fund
A solicitor shared a jaw-dropping story about a woman who left £100,000 in trust for her pet goldfish. The fund was meant to ensure the fish would enjoy fresh avocado daily and be cared for by a local dog walker after her passing. The solicitor confirmed that the client was entirely serious about her request.
2. A Hidden Daughter, A Secret Legacy
One Redditor revealed that a client wanted to leave a portion of her estate to a secret daughter no one else knew about—not even her husband. The will included money and photographs for the daughter, but the rest of the family was to remain completely unaware of her existence.
3. A Bus Driver’s Windfall
An elderly woman shocked her family by leaving her house and belongings to a local bus driver who had been kind and helpful to her. Despite her family’s outrage, the will was upheld, as the woman was found to be mentally competent at the time of signing.
4. A Springloaded Coffin Clause
One young man included an unusual clause in his will: He requested to be buried in a springloaded coffin to alarm future archaeologists who might uncover his remains. If this wasn’t feasible, he wanted to be cremated and his ashes scattered in a specific location.
5. Euthanize the Horse?
One woman instructed her heirs to euthanize her horse and scatter its ashes with her own. Luckily for the horse, the specified animal had already passed away before the woman’s death, sparing her current horse from an untimely end.
6. Strange Conditions for Inheritance
A lawyer recounted a will in which one son was required to visit a dentist before receiving his share of the inheritance, while another had to lose 70 pounds. Another woman wished to be cremated with her cats, but when told this wasn’t legally possible, she settled for their ashes being mixed and buried together.
7. The Elvis Impersonator Heir
One rich uncle left his entire estate to an Elvis impersonator, shocking his family. Despite his wealth, the uncle had no friends or close relatives and chose this eccentric way to distribute his fortune.
8. Grandma’s Hidden Fortune
In one of the most memorable stories, a grandmother left a supposed “hidden fortune” to her grandson-in-law on the condition that he fulfilled three tasks: live in her old trailer for a year without upgrades, volunteer at an animal shelter every weekend for two years, and write an essay on humility and compassion to be read publicly. The conditions were her way of teaching a lesson about values from beyond the grave.
9. Ashes Around the World
Some individuals use their wills to send loved ones on globe-trotting adventures. One Redditor shared that many wills include provisions for scattering ashes in exotic locations, turning final wishes into once-in-a-lifetime journeys.
10. Toilet Paper Holders and Ladles
One woman wrote a 56-page will detailing the distribution of every single item in her home, from toilet paper holders to wooden ladles. Her meticulous approach ensured no item was left unclaimed, but it also baffled her heirs and the legal team handling her estate.
11. The Cat Revenge
In a tale of pettiness, one couple left their millions in artwork to various charities while leaving their children only the family cats. The parents’ decision stemmed from their dislike of the cats, which had been forced upon them by their children.
12. A Man’s Loyalty Rewarded
A taxi driver discovered he was the primary beneficiary and executor of an elderly woman’s estate after her passing. Despite his surprise, the will was upheld, leaving the woman’s close friend—a former beneficiary—stunned and contesting the decision.
13. Lessons in Humility
Another Redditor shared a will that required family members to reflect on humility. A wealthy grandmother’s will stipulated that her descendants write essays about the value of compassion before receiving any inheritance.
Why People Write Unusual Wills
Writing a will is often an emotional process, especially as people reflect on their lives and relationships. Some use their final act to express gratitude, teach lessons, or even settle old scores. Others see it as a way to maintain control or create a legacy, however unconventional.
These stories highlight how a few sentences in a will can change lives—sometimes for the better, sometimes not. Have you ever come across a bizarre or heartwarming story about someone’s will? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
