Weird Probate Issues Part 3: Famous Last Words

Updated: 26 September 2026

By Rod Genders – Genders and Partners – This article revised and updated 26 September 2026.

They say you cannot take it with you — but that has never stopped some people from trying to have the last word. Our earlier Weird Probate Issues articles proved so popular that we have developed an entire series. This instalment features fourteen individuals who used their Wills to make extraordinary, eccentric, and sometimes frankly bizarre final demands. While entertaining, each example carries a serious reminder: your Will is a legal document. Getting it right matters.

1. Adam Yauch

Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch inserted a clause in his Will prohibiting any use of his music or likeness for advertising purposes. His wishes were tested after his death, but the clause was upheld — a reminder that specific, clearly worded instructions in a Will can be legally effective.

2. Alexander McQueen

The British fashion designer died in 2010, leaving the bulk of his fortune to charity. He also earmarked nearly $75,000 for the care of his dogs — a reminder that pet trusts, while unusual, are recognised in Australian estate planning.

3. Benjamin Franklin

Franklin left his daughter 408 diamonds on the condition she never convert them into jewellery, expressing his disdain for "the expensive, vain, and useless fashion of wearing jewels." Courts have long grappled with such conditional bequests; their enforceability depends on whether the condition is contrary to public policy.

4. Charles Dickens

Dickens was famously particular about his funeral. His Will required mourners to wear "no scarf, cloak, black bow, long hat-band, or other such revolting absurdity." Under South Australian law, funeral instructions in a Will are not legally binding, as the Will may not be read until after the funeral. If you have strong wishes regarding your funeral, you should also communicate them separately and in advance.

5. Charles Vance Millar

Canadian lawyer Millar used his Will to fund the "Great Stork Derby" — a trust that would pay out to the Toronto woman who gave birth to the most children in the decade following his death. Four women tied at nine children each, sharing $570,000. Whatever one makes of his methods, the lesson is clear: a properly drafted trust in a Will can achieve remarkable and creative outcomes.

6. Doris Duke

The tobacco heiress left $100 million in a pet trust for her dogs. Litigation followed for nearly a decade, ultimately settling in 2004. This case illustrates a crucial point: large, unusual bequests will invite scrutiny and should be carefully documented and justified to reduce the risk of successful challenge.

7. Dusty Springfield

The British pop singer left very specific instructions for the care of her cat, Nicholas: imported baby food, an indoor tree house, Dusty’s old records played at bedtime, and an arranged "marriage" to a friend’s cat. While charming, the lesson here is that detailed pet care instructions should be accompanied by a proper trust and trustee appointment to ensure they are actually carried out.

8. Ed Headrick

The inventor of the Frisbee requested that his ashes be moulded into limited-edition Frisbees — a request his family honoured. Instructions regarding the disposal of remains can be included in a Will, though Australian law does not require executors to follow them. For certainty, communicate your wishes directly with your executor.

9. Eleanor Ritchey

Heiress Eleanor Ritchey left approximately $14 million to her 150 stray dogs. When the last dog died, the remainder was to be donated to research on canine disease at Auburn University. This is a well-structured charitable trust and demonstrates that pet-related bequests, however unusual, can be given legal effect when properly drafted.

10. Harry Houdini

The famous escapologist left instructions for an annual séance to be held on the anniversary of his death and a pre-arranged code for communicating from the afterlife. His wife conducted the séance annually for a decade before concluding he would not be making contact. The lesson for estate planners is more prosaic: if you want something to happen after your death, have it legally documented and funded.

11. Gene Roddenberry

The creator of Star Trek requested that his ashes be scattered from a space satellite, which was carried out in 1997. This is a reminder that instructions about the disposition of remains should be discussed openly with your executor, as formal estate administration often commences too late for the executor to act on funeral or cremation wishes.

12. Golda Bechal

The British millionaire left almost her entire fortune to her favourite Chinese restaurant. An eccentric bequest, but a valid one — provided the Will was properly executed and she had testamentary capacity at the time. Family members who feel aggrieved by such a bequest may be entitled to make a family provision claim under Part 5 of the Succession Act 2023 (SA).

13. Harold West

London banker West was convinced a vampire would reanimate his corpse. His Will required a doctor to pierce his heart with a metal rod after death. A sobering reminder that testamentary capacity is a genuine legal requirement: a person must understand the nature and effect of their Will. Unusual instructions do not, of themselves, indicate incapacity.

14. Farrah Fawcett

Fawcett’s Will attracted considerable attention when it was discovered she had left nothing to her long-time partner, Ryan O’Neal. The absence of a bequest to an eligible person may form the basis of a family provision claim under Part 5 of the Succession Act 2023 (SA). If you intend to exclude someone from your Will who might otherwise have a claim, specialist estate planning advice is essential.

Weird Wills — Are They Legally Valid?

A substantial proportion of "weird Wills" end up being contested in court, causing families unnecessary stress, delay, and expense. Be careful. If you are thinking about including an unusual clause in your Will, seek legal advice first.

Your Will is a serious matter. If something in it, however well-intentioned, renders the document invalid, you may die intestate — meaning your estate would be distributed according to the intestacy provisions of Part 4 of the Succession Act 2023 (SA), which may bear no resemblance to your actual wishes.

Under the Succession Act 2023 (SA) (commenced 1 January 2025), all Wills, probate matters, and intestate estates in South Australia are governed by this single, consolidated statute. References to the Wills Act 1936 (SA), the Administration and Probate Act 1919 (SA), and the Inheritance (Family Provision) Act 1972 (SA) are obsolete — those Acts have been repealed.

Want to Find Out More?

The articles in this Weird Probate Issues series are designed to entertain — but behind each story lies a genuine estate planning lesson. Genders and Partners has been helping South Australians protect their families and their estates since 1848.

When it comes to Wills, Probate, Deceased Estates, asset protection and estate planning in Australia, you can trust the oldest law firm in South Australia – Genders & Partners – to guide you through the tough decisions to create the best solution for your individual needs.

If you have any questions or would like further information, or a quick phone call to discuss, book a timeslot for a free 15-minute phone consultation.

We can help you to protect yourself and your family. We look forward to being of service.

More Probate and Estate Planning Resources

• Probate and Estate Administration FAQs | Genders and Partners

• Myths About Probate | Genders and Partners

• What is Probate and is it always required in South Australia?

• Weird Probate Issues (the original article)

• Weird Probate Issues Part 4

• Weird Probate Issues Part 5

All these and many more probate and estate planning topics are available for discussion with the oldest law firm in South Australia. Visit our Adelaide Lawyer Blog for more articles.

This article revised and updated 26 September 2026.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Wills, probate, and estate planning matters can be complex, and laws and procedures may change over time. You should always seek independent legal advice from a qualified practitioner before making decisions about your estate.