Dear Friend,

When we think about wills, we imagine thoughtful provisions for loved ones, carefully planned inheritances, and maybe a donation to a favorite charity. But for some, their final wishes are more… creative. From leaving fortunes to ghost hunters to demanding pyramid tombs, the bizarre choices of the rich and famous highlight not only the eccentricities of humanity but also the incredible power of estate planning to make even the strangest dreams a reality.

Let’s take a look at some of history’s most unusual wills and uncover the lessons they hold for your own planning.

Eccentric Wishes That Shocked the World

  1. The Pyramid Tomb
    When British lawyer Sir John Bentinck passed away in the 19th century, he didn’t want a modest gravesite. Instead, he ordered the construction of a massive pyramid-shaped tomb—right in the middle of a village churchyard. To this day, the towering monument looms over smaller, traditional headstones.

The Lesson: A clear estate plan can ensure even your most elaborate final wishes are carried out, but be sure to think about how those decisions might impact others.

  1. Fortune for Ghost Hunters
    American hotelier Harry Houdini, famous for his escape acts and obsession with the afterlife, left behind detailed instructions for séances to contact him after his death. He even set aside a portion of his fortune to fund investigations into the supernatural. While no séance successfully contacted him (yet), his will ensured his fascination with the paranormal lived on.

The Lesson: Whether you want to fund ghost hunters or support a beloved cause, estate planning lets you direct your wealth toward what matters most to you—no matter how unusual it may seem.

  1. Millions for a Pet Chicken
    Wealthy British eccentric Charles Vance Millar used his will to amuse himself one last time. Among his unusual bequests was a fortune left to his pet chicken, with instructions for her to live in luxury. Millar’s will also started a “baby contest,” awarding a prize to the woman in Toronto who had the most children in a decade, sparking a citywide frenzy.

The Lesson: While estate planning allows you to express your quirks, it’s also important to consider whether your wishes might create unintended consequences—or even chaos—for those left behind.

  1. A Will of Pure Revenge
    Portuguese aristocrat Luis Carlos de Noronha Cabral da Camara left his fortune to 70 complete strangers chosen at random from the phone book. The move was reportedly an act of defiance against family members he didn’t trust to handle his estate properly. Imagine getting a call out of the blue to learn you’ve inherited a fortune from someone you never met!

The Lesson: Estate planning can be a tool to send a message—good or bad. But revenge from beyond the grave can leave a bitter legacy. Careful planning ensures your final wishes reflect your values, not just your frustrations.

What These Wills Teach Us About Estate Planning

While these examples are entertaining, they also reveal some hard truths about the power—and pitfalls—of estate planning.

  1. Your Will is Your Voice
    A will ensures that your wishes, however unusual, are honored. Whether you’re leaving money for a cause you believe in or ensuring a beloved pet is cared for, a clear and enforceable will is the key to making it happen.
  2. Think Beyond the Obvious
    These stories highlight the importance of considering all aspects of your legacy—pets, special causes, or even creative instructions. Don’t be afraid to plan for what matters to you.
  3. Prevent Legal Battles
    While quirky requests can be honored, they can also invite challenges from disgruntled heirs. A strong estate plan, including trusts and detailed instructions, can reduce the risk of disputes.
  4. Your Legacy Lasts Forever
    Estate planning isn’t just about money. It’s about the memories and message you leave behind. Will you be remembered for generosity, eccentricity, or leaving your loved ones in chaos?

Your Legacy, Your Way

Imagine your family sitting down to read your will. Are they smiling, knowing your wishes are clear and fair? Or are they scratching their heads, bewildered by instructions left vague or incomplete? Worse yet—are they arguing, turning your legacy into a source of division?

The power of a well-crafted estate plan isn’t just in avoiding chaos. It’s in making sure your voice is heard, your values are reflected, and your loved ones are cared for. Whether you want to set up a trust for your grandchildren, fund a charity, or yes—even leave a little something for your beloved parrot—planning ahead ensures your wishes are respected.

The weird wills of history are a testament to the creativity and complexity of human nature. But they also remind us of the importance of planning ahead. Don’t leave your final wishes to chance—or risk your loved ones ending up in court over the fine print.

If you’ve been putting off your estate plan, now is the time to act. Call us at 770-285-5493 to schedule a consultation. Let’s make sure your legacy is secure, your wishes are honored, and your loved ones are protected.

Because whether you’re building a pyramid or simply ensuring your family’s future, your estate plan is your last, most powerful message to the world. Make it count.

Sincerely and Thanks,

Mike

Mike Bascom
Bascom Law, PC