From disowning a child to leaving fortunes to strangers, wills can sometimes contain the most unexpected and baffling provisions. Often written during moments of reflection, these final documents decide the fate of one’s assets and legacy. While many wills follow a straightforward path, some take shocking turns that leave families stunned and legal professionals scratching their heads.
Here are some of the most bizarre and unexpected things people have included in their wills, as shared by users on various online forums like Reddit.
1. A Trust Fund for a Pet Fish
u/scarlett_pimpernel: As a qualified solicitor, I’ve come across some peculiar cases. One that stands out is a lady who wanted to create a trust fund of £100,000 for her pet goldfish. When I inquired about the specifics, she confirmed it was just an ordinary goldfish. Her stipulations were equally unusual: the fish must be fed fresh avocado daily and cared for by a local dog walker after her demise. She was absolutely serious about these conditions.
2. Secret Daughter Beneficiary
u/scarlett_pimpernel: Another striking case involved a woman who confessed she had a secret daughter and chose to leave her inheritance and photographs exclusively to this daughter, completely excluding the rest of her family. Even her husband was unaware of the daughter’s existence. This revelation led to shocking family confrontations when the will was executed.
3. Luxury SUV for a Bus Driver