The age-old tradition of writing a will has been a cornerstone of estate planning for centuries. While many people choose to leave their assets to loved ones, others have more unconventional ideas. From bizarre requests to surprising beneficiaries, these 17 stories from Reddit users showcase the strange and unexpected world of inheritance.
A qualified solicitor shared the story of a woman who created a trust fund of £100,000 for her pet fish. The fish was to be fed fresh avocado daily and cared for by a local dog walker after the woman’s passing. Another woman chose to leave her estate to a secret daughter, hiding the truth from her husband and the rest of her family.
A bus driver was surprised to learn that a kind elderly woman had left him her house and belongings. A lawyer shared the story of a client who added a clause to his will, requesting that his funeral include a spring-loaded coffin designed to startle future archaeologists.
A woman working in probate shared the story of a man who requested that his beloved horse be euthanized, cremated, and scattered with his ashes. Fortunately, the horse had already passed away, saving it from this unusual fate.
A Reddit user shared the story of a rich uncle who left his entire estate to an Elvis impersonator. Another user told the story of a woman who left millions in artwork to various people and charities, while her children inherited the family cats as a form of revenge.
A lawyer shared the story of a man who left the contents of his outhouse to the City Council of a nearby town. The man had fought against the council’s attempts to take his land and wanted to give them a unique gift in return.
A taxi driver was surprised to learn that a regular client had left him almost her entire estate, including the residue of her estate. A woman shared the story of her grandmother, who left a hidden fortune to her husband, but only if he fulfilled three specific conditions, including living in her old trailer for a year and volunteering at an animal shelter.
These stories showcase the strange and often surprising world of inheritance. Whether it’s a trust fund for a pet fish or a clause designed to startle future archaeologists, these unconventional wills prove that people can be both quirky and generous in their final wishes.
