Wills are meant to be practical… but every now and then, they’re downright bizarre. From haunted violins to entire countries (yes, really), people have left behind some truly unexpected gifts. 

Here are a few of the strangest items and what they can teach us about estate planning in Ontario. 

1. A Haunted House 

An American woman left her home to her local historical society, with one catch: it came with a resident ghost. The society accepted it anyway… and turned it into a tourist attraction. 

Lesson: If you own a property with quirks (or actual skeletons in the closet), disclose them. It’s not just good manners but it can help avoid surprises. 

2. A Couch Full of Cash 

A Toronto family discovered thousands of dollars sewn into their father’s old couch long after the Will had been probated. 

Lesson: Keep an inventory of valuables, especially if you store cash in odd places. Executors are good, but they’re not psychic. 

3. A Country 

In 1820, a man in England bequeathed the “Kingdom of Redonda”, a tiny uninhabited Caribbean island, to his son, along with the title “King.” To this day, a literary group claims the monarchy still exists (with honorary “lords” and “ladies”). 

Lesson: Your Will is a legacy. It doesn’t always have to be serious, but it should be clear, especially if you’re giving something symbolic. 

4. A Divorce Clause 

One man left his entire fortune to his wife, but only if she never remarried. If she did, everything would go to the dog. 

Lesson: You can add conditions to gifts, but they must be reasonable and enforceable. Ontario courts may strike down overly restrictive clauses. 

While most Wills stick to RRSPs and real estate, the truth is: your Will reflects who you are. And if “who you are” includes a sense of humour or a love for the unusual? Go ahead....be a little weird. Just make sure it’s valid, clear, and doable. That’s where the professionals come in! 

At ETP Canada, we’ve seen it all. If you’re dreaming up a creative legacy, or managing one, we’ll help make sure it lands exactly as you intended. To book a consultation with a member of our team, click here.