When it comes to writing a will, people often think about how they can provide for their loved ones after they’re gone. But sometimes, individuals use their wills to make unexpected and even bizarre requests. From leaving fortunes to strangers to specifying unusual funeral arrangements, people have written some truly surprising things into their wills.
A qualified solicitor shared a story about a woman who created a trust fund of £100,000 for her pet fish. The woman specified that the fish should be fed fresh avocado daily and cared for by a local dog walker after she passed away. Another solicitor recalled a client who wanted to leave money and photographs to a secret daughter, without the rest of her family finding out.
Some people use their wills to take revenge on their loved ones. One man left his family’s cats to his children as revenge, after they had gotten him the cats to comfort him in his old age, but he had grown to hate them. Another woman left her entire estate to her regular taxi driver, who had no idea he was the beneficiary.
In some cases, people’s wills can be truly heartwarming. A man specified in his will that his family should go to the zoo immediately after his burial, as a way to celebrate his life. Another woman left a significant portion of her estate to her church, as a way to give back to her community.
These stories and others like them show that people’s wills can be full of surprises. Whether it’s a bizarre request or a heartwarming gesture, a will can be a powerful way to make a lasting impact on the people and causes we care about.
