Most wills distribute assets to spouses, children, or other close relatives. Yet history includes some truly strange inheritance stories.
There have been wills leaving millions of dollars to pets, fortunes handed to complete strangers, and even inheritance contests involving childbirth.
Stories like these raise an interesting legal question: would these unusual instructions actually be enforceable under British Columbia law?
Looking at a few famous examples helps explain how estate law balances a person’s freedom to distribute their assets with legal limits designed to prevent unfair outcomes.
The Millionaire Who Left $12 Million to Her Dog
One of the most famous unusual wills involved New York hotel owner Leona Helmsley, who reportedly left $12 million for the care of her dog, Trouble. The story made international headlines when it was revealed that Helmsley’s will provided millions for her pet while leaving two of her grandchildren out of the inheritance.
Despite the headlines, the dog did not technically inherit the money. Instead, the funds were placed in a trust to pay for the dog’s care.
Would This Be Legal in BC?
A pet cannot legally own property in British Columbia. Yet it is possible to leave money in trust for the care of an animal.
A properly structured will can:
- Appoint a caregiver for the pet
- Set aside funds for food, veterinary care, and other expenses
- Appoint a trustee who manages the funds
Courts may also review whether the amount set aside is reasonable. If the amount is excessive, a court may reduce it.
The Man Who Left His Fortune to Complete Strangers
In one of the strangest inheritance stories ever reported, a Portuguese aristocrat named Luis Carlos de Noronha Cabral da Camara reportedly selected 70 strangers from the Lisbon phone book to inherit his estate.
The beneficiaries had never met him.
When they were contacted by lawyers, many initially believed it was a scam.
Would That Work in BC?
In general, a person has significant freedom to decide who receives their assets after death. This means someone can leave property to friends, neighbours, caregivers, charities, or even people outside their personal circle.
Yet British Columbia law places limits on this freedom.
Under the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA), spouses and children can challenge a will if they believe they were treated unfairly or inadequately provided for.
This is why disputes sometimes arise when family members feel they were improperly excluded. To learn more about these situations, see who can get left out of a will under BC law.
A court has the authority to change the distribution of an estate if it finds that the will fails to make adequate provision for a spouse or child.
The Will That Started a Baby Contest
One of the strangest inheritance stories ever recorded involved Canadian lawyer and businessman Charles Vance Millar.
When Millar died in 1926, his will included a shocking condition. A large portion of his estate would go to the Toronto woman who gave birth to the most children within ten years of his death.
The contest became known as the “Great Stork Derby.”
Over the next decade, women across Toronto competed for the prize by having as many children as possible. In the end, four women tied with nine children each, and they split the inheritance.
The story captured international attention and remains one of the most unusual examples of a conditional inheritance.
Would Something Like This Be Valid in BC?
Millar’s will was upheld by the courts at the time. Yet a similar condition today could face serious legal scrutiny.
British Columbia law generally allows conditional gifts, meaning a will can require certain events to occur before someone receives their inheritance.
Yet courts may refuse to enforce conditions that:
- Violate public policy
- Encourage harmful behaviour
- Interfere excessively with personal freedom
A clause encouraging people to have children for financial gain could raise serious concerns under modern legal standards.
The Man Who Used His Will to Fund a Practical Joke
Charles Vance Millar was known for his sense of humour, and the “Great Stork Derby” was not the only strange provision in his will.
He also left shares in a racetrack to three men who strongly opposed gambling.
The result forced them into a difficult situation. If they accepted the inheritance, they would be profiting from an activity they publicly criticized.
The unusual gift was widely seen as Millar’s final practical joke.
Would Something Like This Be Allowed in BC?
Generally, a person can leave property to almost anyone they choose.
Yet unusual gifts can create complications if they lead to disputes or conflicts among beneficiaries.
Courts may also review the circumstances surrounding the will if there are concerns about fairness, undue influence, or legal obligations owed to family members.
Why These Stories Matter
Weird wills make entertaining stories, yet they also highlight how estate law works.
People have significant freedom to decide how their assets will be distributed. Yet BC law places limits to ensure spouses and children are treated fairly and that unusual inheritance conditions are lawful.
Questions about unusual or complex wills are not uncommon in estate planning matters handled by Sunny Tathgar, serving clients across Victoria and Vancouver Island.
Clear drafting is essential. A properly prepared will can help avoid disputes and ensure a person’s wishes are respected.
To learn more about estate planning services in Victoria and how a properly drafted will can protect your family, professional legal guidance is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pet inherit money in BC?
No. Animals cannot legally inherit property in British Columbia. Yet funds can be placed in a trust to provide for a pet’s care.
Can someone leave their estate to non-family members?
Yes. A person can leave assets to friends, caregivers, charities, or others outside their family. Yet spouses and children may challenge the will under BC law.
Can strange conditions be placed on an inheritance?
Some conditional gifts are allowed if they are clear and lawful. Courts may refuse conditions that violate public policy or restrict personal freedoms.
Can a will be challenged in BC?
Yes. Wills can be challenged under several circumstances, including concerns about fairness, capacity, or undue influence.
Why is professional estate planning important?
A properly drafted will helps ensure your wishes are respected while reducing the risk of disputes among beneficiaries.
Speak With an Estate Planning Lawyer
Unusual wills can make entertaining headlines, yet they also show how important careful estate planning can be.
Clear legal advice can help ensure your wishes are respected and your estate is structured in a way that reduces conflict for your family.
To discuss wills, inheritance planning, or estate planning in British Columbia, contact Sunny Tathgar.
