Weird Probate Issues Part 8

Updated: 19 October 2026

By Rod Genders | Genders and Partners

Here we go again, with more Wacky Wills, Peculiar Probates and Dreadful Deaths. If you find yourself both appalled and entertained by what people get up to at the end of their days, this instalment of our series should not disappoint.

#1 – Wellington Burt: The 91-Year Wait

US lumber tycoon Wellington Burt died in 1919. His Will directed that the bulk of his fortune be placed in trust, not to be distributed until 21 years after the death of his last surviving grandchild. His immediate heirs, who had anticipated a windfall, received very little. When the trust finally vested in 2010 — some 91 years after his death — approximately $110 million was distributed among 12 beneficiaries, none of whom had ever met the man.

The lesson for South Australians: a properly constituted testamentary trust can hold assets for generations. The Succession Act 2023 (SA) provides a comprehensive framework for the creation and administration of such trusts by the Supreme Court.

#2 – John Bowman: Dinner for the Reincarnated

Virginian millionaire John Bowman built a mausoleum for his wife and daughters who predeceased him, convinced that the family would be reincarnated together. He died in 1891, leaving a $50,000 trust to maintain his mansion and mausoleum. House staff were instructed to prepare dinner every evening in case the returning family was hungry, and no one was permitted to sleep in the house overnight lest they disturb the ghostly residents. The arrangement continued until 1950, when the trust fund was exhausted.

#3 – Alexander McQueen: A Dog’s Allowance

British fashion designer Alexander McQueen died in 2010. Among the provisions of his Will was a £50,000 trust fund for the care and comfort of his pet dogs. In Australia, it is entirely possible to provide for companion animals through a properly drafted estate plan, with a trusted person appointed to administer funds on the animal’s behalf.

#4 – Gene Roddenberry: To Boldly Go Where No Ashes Have Gone Before

The creator of Star Trek loved space so profoundly that he directed his cremated remains be scattered in orbit. In 1997, a satellite carried a portion of his ashes into the atmosphere, fulfilling his instruction to literally “go where no man has gone before.” Most of us are more modestly inclined, but the principle is the same — a properly drafted Will gives you the opportunity to direct your final arrangements.

#5 – Eleanor Ritchey: 150 Beneficiaries of the Canine Variety

Heiress to the Quaker State Refining Corporation, Eleanor Ritchey bequeathed $14 million to her 150 stray dogs. Upon the death of the last dog, surplus funds were directed to Auburn University Research Foundation for canine disease research. An eccentric testamentary scheme, certainly — but one that was entirely lawful.

#6 – Mort Zachter: The Bakery Secret

New York accountant Mort Zachter grew up watching his parents toil 100 hours a week in a bakery owned by his uncles, paid in nothing but leftover bread and cake. At age 36, he discovered that his uncles had accumulated a $6 million fortune — and had always intended to leave it to him. His parents had known all along, sacrificing their own comfort so that their son would one day benefit. A quiet and dignified generosity, made possible by a well-considered estate plan.

#7 – Nina Wang: The Feng Shui Will

Once the wealthiest woman in Asia, Nina Wang rewrote her Will after a cancer diagnosis, leaving her estimated $4.2 billion US fortune to feng shui master Tony Chan, who had allegedly told her that naming him as beneficiary would help her live forever. She died in 2007. Chan was subsequently arrested on suspicion of forgery. The courts dismissed the later Will and the estate passed to her family and the charities she had originally intended to benefit.

This case is a textbook example of the risk of undue influence. Under the Succession Act 2023 (SA), a Will may be declared invalid where it was procured by fraud, duress, or undue influence. Australian courts, including the Supreme Court of South Australia, take such matters very seriously.

#8 – Rufino Otero: The Exhumed Grandmother

Retired Argentine maid Eva Paole suspected she was the illegitimate daughter of Baron Rufino Otero, but her mother took that secret to the grave. After a nine-year legal battle — which required the exhumation of Otero’s mother for DNA testing, since Otero’s own tomb had been desecrated and his corpse removed — Eva was confirmed as his daughter and inherited his $40 million estate. She noted with considerable grace that what mattered most was finally knowing her true identity.

#9 – Josh S: Treasure Island

Teenager Josh had met his grandfather only a handful of times, yet inherited 80 acres of farmland, a 36-acre private island, and a detailed list of loose gems and antique jewellery hidden “in the thermos.” The Will gave no indication of where the thermos was located. His mother recalled childhood references to a “treasure island.” The hunt, and the full value of the inheritance, remained unresolved.

It is important to remember that Wills can be challenged, and some testamentary directions are not always upheld by a court. If a Will is found to be invalid, the estate in South Australia will be distributed as if no Will ever existed — according to the intestacy provisions of Part 4 of the Succession Act 2023 (SA). The results can be very different from what the deceased would have wished.

If you do not have a current, professionally prepared Will, or your existing Will is in need of review, please contact Genders and Partners. We offer a cost-effective and convenient service and our specialist consultants can attend at a location convenient to you.

Want to Find Out More?

The extraordinary tales above serve as a timely reminder that even the most eccentric of estate plans can have very real consequences. Genders and Partners specialise exclusively in Wills, Probate and Estate Planning and are here to help you get it right.

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 Wills Resources

• FAQs: Wills and Estate Planning
• FAQs: Probate and Estate Administration
• Video Resources: Wills, Probate and Estate Planning
• The Different Types of Probate in South Australia
• Weird Probate Issues – Part 1
• What Does an Executor of a Deceased Estate Do?

All these and many more probate and wills topics are available for discussion with the oldest law firm in South Australia. Visit our articles page for further information.

This article revised and updated 19 October 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is intended as general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Succession law is complex and every situation is different. You should obtain advice from a lawyer who specialises in this area of law before making any decisions. The law referred to in this article reflects the position under the Succession Act 2023 (SA) as at the date of revision. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.