From disowning a child to secretly leaving everything to a stranger, people have written many unexpected things in their wills that are only revealed to their family members after their demise. Many times, people have used this closing act to take revenge on their loved ones.
With age, many people tend to think about what would happen to their loved ones after death. They know there’s only much they can do to support them, and with that comes the thought of writing a will. The final document decides what would happen to their assets and property after their death.
A document with the title “Last Will and Testament” | Source: Shutterstock
Many people write their will when they are healthy and doing fine, but others do it after the doctors tell them they don’t have much time to live. Some divide their assets into parts and leave them for their close ones, while others write something unpredictable that shocks their family.
Netizens on Reddit shared some of the craziest and most bizarre things people wrote in their wills. Many of their family members had no idea what was coming their way.
Comments have been edited for clarity and grammar.
1. The Unexpected Trust Fund
A fish in a fishbowl | Source: Pexels
u/scarlett_pimpernel: I am a qualified solicitor. A lady wanted to create a trust fund of £100,000 for her pet fish. When I asked if it was a particular type of fish, she confirmed it was just an ordinary goldfish.
She wanted it to be fed fresh avocado daily and looked after by a local dog walker after she died. She was absolutely serious.
2. No One Knows about Her
An older woman looking at a young girl | Source: Shutterstock
u/scarlett_pimpernel: Another lady confessed she had a secret daughter and wanted to leave the daughter some money and photographs without the rest of her family finding out. Even her husband does not know. That will be a fun conversation when she passes away.
3. The Lucky Man
A bus driver | Source: Shutterstock
u/mommy5dearest: I worked at an attorney’s office, and a little older lady gave her house and belongings to a bus driver.
She did it because he was nice to her and would help her. We were all waiting for hell to break loose when her family found out.
Her family can contest it. I was a witness to the signing. She seemed fine and knew the answers to the questions, so she wasn’t having mental problems as far as we could tell.
4. The Interesting Clause
A lawyer talking to a man | Source: Shutterstock
u/WanderCold: I was in my early twenties when I was forced to write a will because of the health insurance I got at work. I discussed it with the in-house lawyer, who approved this specific clause to be added to my will.
The clause read, “My funeral wishes are that I should be buried in a coffin which has been springloaded, such that opening the coffin would cause alarm to future archeologists.”
Then, a bunch of stuff about if this is too costly, I’d be cremated and have my ashes scattered in a specific place.
5. Don’t Forget My Horse!
A woman riding a horse | Source: Shutterstock
u/gabberrella24: I work in probate. The oddest thing I’ve seen in a will is to euthanize their beloved horse, have it cremated, and its ashes scattered with the decedent.
Lucky for her horse, she named a horse that was already dead when she passed away, so the one she got afterward lived to see another farm.
6. A List of Strange Wills
A dog sleeping on a bed | Source: Shutterstock
u/PirateRobotNinjaofDe: Lots of people send their friends and family on weird errands to spread their ashes (leaving money for people to take trips and spread their ashes around the world).
Pet trusts are a fun one. People leave a whole whack of money in a trust to be used for the care of their pets during their life.
However, my favorite ever (that I obviously didn’t draft) was a lawyer who left the bulk of his estate (millions in today’s dollars) to whatever Toronto-area woman had the most children at a specific date some years later. I recall the winner had 10.
7. My Grandfather’s Wish
An older woman standing near a window | Source: Shutterstock
u/snoboreddotcom: A few hours after my grandfather’s death, my grandmother came to me with a navy-blue tie featuring pink elephants.
Ridiculous looking, but she said he wore it to intimidate people in business, as someone willing to wear such a ridiculous tie doesn’t care about what people think. That scares people. He wanted me to have it so I could do the same.
8. Different Wishes
A woman signing a documents | Source: Shutterstock
u/ALighterShadeOfPale: I work for a lawyer who does wills. We’ve had a lady put in her will that one of her adult sons would receive his share when he visited a dentist, and the other son would get it if he lost 70lbs.
Another lady put in her will that she wanted her cats cremated with her when she died. We told her that would not happen since human and animal remains are not cremated together. So, she settled on cremated separately and joined together, then buried together.
9. The Long Will
Close-up of a document with the title “Last Will and Testament” | Source: Shutterstock
u/ALighterShadeOfPale: Typically, wills are about ten pages long (for an average person), but a woman once wrote 56 pages.
She detailed EVERYTHING from her house to people. For example, she wrote, “wooden ladle to ____, toilet paper holder to ____, magazine basket to ____.” She did this for every single item in her house.
10. She Wanted to Be with Her Husband
A small house between trees | Source: Pexels
u/ALighterShadeOfPale: A lady told us to put in her will that she wanted to be buried on her property next to her husband. She lived on a small rural property.
It’s totally illegal to have human remains buried there. She refused to tell us whether her husband was cremated or not and said she did not want to be cremated.
Edit: Her husband had died 5 or 6 years prior. So, it’s not as though it was 50 years ago when things like that may have been a little overlooked.
11. Some Good People
A person signing a document | Source: Shutterstock
u/ALighterShadeOfPale: We had a man put in his will that his family was to go to the zoo immediately after his burial (that day). We thought that was heartwarming.
Besides that, we work with many people from a particular religion. Many people we write wills for leave at least 90% of their estates to the church instead of their families.
12. The Elvis Impersonator
A young man smiling | Source: Shutterstock
u/whatshisfaceboy: I’m not a lawyer, but I have this story of my rich uncle. He would visit us when we were kids, maybe once every ten years. The last time he did, he brought us to a Denny’s.
When he died, he had no friends. Besides that, his wife died due to substance abuse, and that was because of him. He left his entire estate to an Elvis impersonator. Everything.
13. The Only Beneficiary
A person holding money | Source: Shutterstock
u/AnotherDrunkCanadian: I used to work at a bank in the estate department. I was an administrator who had to manage the files, including encroachments upon the capital, i.e., “I want to take some money out now, please.”
I had this one account – a multi-million-dollar trust for one single beneficiary – the son of the deceased. Everything about the account looked fine until I learned the child was behind his parents’ death and pleaded insanity.
He was in a mental hospital and called the bank once a year requesting $50 for commissary (to buy chips and gum).
The call was always strange. He was very polite, but the quality of the call made it sound like he was far away from the phone.
14. They Wanted to Take Revenge
A cat sitting behind a curtain | Source: Pexels
u/Dr_BrOneil: Last week, I handled a matter where the parents left millions in artwork to various people and wads of cash to various charities. Meanwhile, their kids got the family cats as revenge.
It turned out they did it because the kids got them the cats to comfort the parents in their old age. The parents hated the cats, but the kids wouldn’t let them get rid of them.
15. He Wanted to Give Them Something
An older man walking on a street | Source: Shutterstock
u/gaurddog: My great uncle’s official will stated that the contents of his outhouse would go to the City Council of a nearby town after they had tried to take his land twice to build a new water treatment plant.
He spent several years fighting eminent domain claims and wanted to give them something in return. As a joke, his kids boxed up all the books and magazines in the outhouse and dropped them off at City Hall.
16. The Man Was Clueless
A man leaning against a taxi | Source: Pexels
u/[deleted]: I am not a lawyer but work for a will writers/trusts specialist in the UK, currently studying toward my TEP.
One of our earlier clients passed away recently. Turns out the man she left almost everything to, including the residue of her estate–which was considerable–was her regular taxi driver.
She had also named him as her executor. He had no clue. The woman named as her executor and primary beneficiary in her previous two wills, a close friend of many years, was understandably flabbergasted and contested the will.
We responded to her solicitor’s Larke v Nugus request, informed Mr. Taxi Driver (who didn’t even know our client had passed), and the will was upheld.
The friend mentioned above was left a legacy of £5,000 if I remember correctly, but her nose was clearly out of joint.
Bonus observation: It takes a lot less than £ 5,000 being up for grabs to make families turn against each other. It can get really nasty. This is one of the most startling things I’ve learned in my short time in this business.
17. Hidden Fortune
The last will and testament | Getty Images
Deleted user: So, my grandma, bless her heart, lived in this old, run-down trailer for years. Dirt poor, but you wouldn’t know it by the way my husband acted.
He was like a cat on a hot tin roof, waiting for her to pass. He had this wild notion in his head that grandma was sitting on a hidden fortune and that he’d inherit a ticket to Easy Street when she kicked the bucket. Cut to the will reading day.
My husband’s practically rubbing his hands together, telling me, “Sugar, put on a smile, we’re about to be rolling in dough.” We get there, and the lawyer’s all business, asking, “Who’s the ‘husband’ there?” My guy steps up: “That’s me. Is there a problem?”
Then my jaw hitting the floor. The Lawyer: Not at all…The last will of grandma states that the grandma has a hidden fortune. However, it’s to be inherited by the husband only if he fulfills three specific conditions. Otherwise, the entire estate goes to the local animal shelter.”
First, he must live for a year in her old trailer, maintaining it without any modern upgrades or outside help. Second, he’s required to volunteer at the animal shelter every weekend for the next two years.
And finally, he must write a personal essay on the value of humility and compassion, to be read publicly at the shelter’s annual fundraiser.
My husband’s face turned from greedy anticipation to utter disbelief. Grandma sure knew how to teach a lesson from beyond the grave!
A man signing a document | Source: Pexels
These stories shared by Redditors prove that being a part of someone’s will can make your life better or destroy it forever. It only takes a few sentences to change people’s lives if one decides to mention them in their will. What’s the most bizarre thing you have ever read in someone’s will or heard about? We would love to know about it.
I Told My Date about My Specific 3-Year-Rule, but He Immediately Left and Blocked Me – Is It Really That Weird?
Addison’s life revolves around her demanding job as a neurologist, leaving little time for romance. When her cheerful coworker Nathan sets her up on a blind date with a seemingly perfect guy named Jake, she finally feels a spark of hope. However, after Addison shares her three-year dating rule, her date abruptly leaves. What went wrong?
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I always thought my life would stay the same.
Day in and day out, the hospital consumed all my time.
A smiling young doctor | Source: Midjourney
My name is Addison, and I work as a neurologist. My days are filled with patients, charts, and endless rounds.
It’s a fulfilling job, but it leaves little room for anything else, especially dating.
A busy young woman | Source: Midjourney
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One day, while grabbing a quick coffee in the break room, my coworker Nathan walked in with a bright smile on his face.
Nathan is always in a good mood, no matter how stressful the day gets.
A smiling doctor | Source: Midjourney
“Hey, Addison,” Nathan said, leaning against the counter. “How do you feel about blind dates?”
I laughed, almost spilling my coffee. “Blind dates? Nathan, you know my schedule. I barely have time to eat, let alone date.”
Two professionals laughing and chatting | Source: Midjourney
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Nathan chuckled. “I know, but hear me out. My friend Jake is a great guy. He’s kind, funny, and I think you two would hit it off. What do you say?”
I paused, considering it. I hadn’t been on a date in ages, and the idea of meeting someone new was intriguing. Plus, Nathan seemed genuinely excited about it.
A couple enjoying drinks | Source: Pexels
“Okay, then,” I said, smiling. “You’ve convinced me. When’s this magical date happening?”
Nathan’s face lit up. “Really?? How about next Tuesday night? It’s the only evening that works for both of you!”
A doctor with his arms crossed | Source: Midjourney
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Next Tuesday. I mentally checked my calendar. It was one of the rare nights I didn’t have a late shift or any other commitments.
“Next Tuesday works for me,” I said. “Let’s do it.”
A female doctor talking to a male doctor | Source: Midjourney
Nathan grinned. “Great! I’ll set it up and text you the details. You won’t regret this, Addison,” he said with a wink.
“We’ll see that,” I laughed and finished my coffee quickly.
A smiling doctor | Source: Midjourney
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As I walked back to my office, I felt both excited and nervous. It had been so long since I had gone on a date.
My life had become a routine of work and more work, with little time for anything else. But maybe this was what I needed — a chance to step out of my comfort zone.
A doctor lost in her work | Source: Midjourney
The rest of the day flew by in a blur of patient consultations and medical charts. But in the back of my mind, I kept thinking about the upcoming date. Maybe, just maybe, this blind date with Jake would be the start of something new.
On Tuesday night, I arrived at the quaint restaurant Nathan had suggested.
Inside a restaurant | Source: Freepik
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It was cozy, with dim lighting and a warm ambiance that immediately put me at ease. As I walked in, I spotted a man sitting at a table near the window.
He looked up, smiled, and waved me over.
This must be Jake, I thought to myself.
A smiling man at a table | Source: Midjourney
“Addison?” he asked as I approached the table.
“Yes, and you must be Jake,” I replied with a smile.
A couple on a date | Source: Freepik
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We shook hands, and I took a seat. Almost immediately, the waitress came over to take our drink orders.
“I’ll have a glass of red wine, please,” I said.
“I’ll have the same,” Jake added.
Two people enjoying wine | Source: Freepik
As the waitress left, we started chatting. Jake was easy to talk to, and I felt my initial nervousness melt away.
“So, Nathan tells me you’re a neurologist,” he said, looking genuinely interested. “That must be a challenging job.”
A couple lost in each other’s eyes | Source: Freepik
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“It is,” I nodded. “But I love it. What about you? What do you do?”
“I’m a graphic designer,” Jake replied. “I work freelance, so my schedule is pretty flexible. It’s a lot of fun, especially when I get to work on creative projects.”
A person working on their laptop | Source: Pexels
Our drinks arrived, and we ordered appetizers — stuffed mushrooms and bruschetta. As we nibbled on the delicious food, we continued to talk about our lives, hobbies, and interests.
“I love hiking and photography,” Jake said, taking a sip of his wine. “There’s something about being in nature that’s so refreshing.”
A male photographer | Source: Pexels
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“I’ve always wanted to get into photography,” I said. “But I never seem to find the time. Maybe you could give me some tips?”
“I’d love to,” Jake said with a smile. “It’s all about finding the right light and angle.”
A woman with a camera | Source: Pexels
As the evening went on, I found myself more and more charmed by Jake. He was kind, funny, and easy to talk to.
We laughed a lot, and it felt like I had known him for much longer than just one evening.
A cozy couple | Source: Freepik
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As we moved on to our main course, Jake looked at me with a smile. “So, Addison, how about we ask each other some more personal questions to break the ice further?”
“Sure, that sounds good,” I said. “What do you want to know?”
Food | Source: Unsplash
Jake leaned in slightly. “How about your one-to-five-year plan? What are your goals?”
I took a moment to think. “Well, I hope to advance in my career as a neurologist,” I began.
A woman staring at her man | Source: Freepik
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“Maybe get promoted to a senior position. I also want to decorate my apartment; it feels too plain right now,” I continued. “I’ve been thinking about getting a pet, maybe a cat or a small dog. And I’d love to travel more, see new places, and experience different cultures. Oh, and I want to expand my bookshelf with my favorite novels. I love reading!”
Pile of books and cup on top | Source: Unsplash
“That sounds wonderful. You have a lot of exciting plans!” he grinned.
“What about you?” I asked, curious to hear about his future plans.
“I want to grow my freelance business,” Jake said. “Maybe open my own studio one day. I also love traveling, so I’d like to visit more countries. And, believe it or not, I’ve been thinking about getting a pet too. A dog, probably.”
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A dog | Source: Unsplash
We laughed at the coincidence, and it felt nice to find common ground!
“So, how do you feel about marriage and family?” Jake further asked as he sipped his wine.
And this is where it all went horribly wrong.
A family | Source: Unsplash
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“Honestly, I’d love to find a partner to share my life with,” I told him, “someone who understands and supports me. But marriage isn’t a necessity for me. If it happens, great, but if not, that’s okay too. As for children, I don’t see myself having any. For now. I’m happy with my career and personal goals.”
Jake leaned forward, looking serious. “What if you found the perfect guy? How long before you’d marry him?”
Two people smiling at each other and standing close | Source: Freepik
“Three years,” I said. “I believe in building a strong foundation. Six months to really get to know someone, a year of serious dating, and a year and a half of living together before considering engagement or marriage.”
Jake’s face changed, his friendly expression replaced by a frown. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Three years? That’s a long time. What if someone wants a quicker timeline?”
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An upset man | Source: Midjourney
I felt a knot forming in my stomach. “Well, uh, I think it’s important to take time to build a strong relationship. I’m pretty confident about my three-year-plan.”
Jake’s frown deepened, and he abruptly called the waitress. “Check, please,” he said curtly. She looked confused but quickly brought the bill.
A waitress | Source: Pexels
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“Jake, what’s wrong?” I asked as he stood up, but he didn’t bother to answer. He paid and walked out of the restaurant without a glance back.
I sat there, stunned and hurt. What just happened?
Later, at home, I couldn’t stop thinking about the evening.
A woman staring at her reflection | Source: Pexels
How could Jake just leave like that?
Deciding I needed answers, I messaged him.
I sent a selfie we took together and wrote, “Hey Jake, why did you leave so suddenly? I thought we were having a great time.”
A woman using her phone | Source: Unsplash
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A few minutes later, his reply came: “Don’t contact me again. You’re indecisive and not serious about what you want.”
Then, he blocked me.
I stared at my phone in disbelief. Was I really that off base?
The next day at work, I noticed Nathan giving me strange glances. Gathering my courage, I decided to confront him.
A man holding a phone in his hands | Source: Unsplash
“Nathan, what did Jake tell you? You know why he left, don’t you?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
Nathan looked uncomfortable and shifted on his feet. “You messed it up, Addy,” he said. “Jake… told me you were wasting his time. He wanted something serious. He was looking for marriage, and you… you weren’t the best person for him. Sorry, I gotta go.”
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A sad doc | Source: Midjourney
I couldn’t believe it.
During my lunch break, I called my best friend, Sophie.
“Hey, Addison. How did the date go?” was the first thing she asked.
A cheerful woman on video call | Source: Pexels
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I sighed, feeling the weight of the evening pressing on me. “It started great, but then it ended terribly. Jake left abruptly after I talked about my three-year plan, and then he blocked me when I asked him why.”
Sophie’s eyes widened. “He did what? That’s ridiculous! What exactly happened?”
A sad young doctor | Source: Midjourney
I recounted every detail, my voice trembling slightly as I relived the evening. When I finished, Sophie shook her head. “Addison, being honest about your expectations is important. If he couldn’t handle that, it’s his loss.”
“I can’t stop wondering if my three-year rule is really that strange, Sophie,” I admitted, my voice breaking a bit.
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An anxious doctor | Source: Midjourney
“Not at all,” Sophie said firmly. “Everyone has their own timeline and needs. What matters is that you stay true to yourself. If he couldn’t appreciate that, he wasn’t the right guy for you.”
Her words wrapped around me like a comforting blanket. But it didn’t ease all my worries. Was I wrong to be upfront about my expectations? Should I have kept it to myself? All I know is that being honest about what I want is important, even if it means losing a date like Jake.
A doctor focused on her work | Source: Midjourney
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What would you have done?
If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one: Julia is excited to surprise her husband on his birthday, but everything changes when she hears an unexpected voice. Hiding in the living room, her heart pounds as her husband’s laughter mingles with another woman’s. What will Julia uncover?
A couple | Source: Unsplash
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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