Clause and Effect: The Unexpected Requests Hiding in Wills
This article was originally written and published in the Mersea Life Publication.
We’ve all heard the phrase “where there’s a Will, there’s a way”, but less than half of us have put it into practice and actually made a Will. It’s one of those things we put off, yet it may be one of the most personal documents we’ll ever create.
Wills often seem like something for the wealthy or elderly to worry about. But if you’re unmarried, have children or own, well anything, it’s worth thinking about how you’d want to take care of things when you’re no longer around.
The good news? In the UK, you can leave almost anything to anyone (within reason). Some people do it with unforgettable flair. These quirky clauses reveal not just assets but affections, humour and the odd haunting legacy.
For the Love of Dogs
Comedian and animal champion Paul O’Grady left £125,000 to ensure his five dogs were well cared for - that’s £25,000 each, entrusted to his long-time agent. He also left £500,000 to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, proving that for some, home really is where the hound is.
A Kind of Magic
Very few last requests are as theatrical as Harry Houdini’s. The legendary magician asked his wife to host an annual séance in hopes of contacting him from beyond the grave. For ten years, she lit candles and called his name, turning grief into a spectacle. Believers tuned in. Sceptics rolled their eyes. Either way, Houdini made sure the show went on.
Future Heirs
Not all Will clauses are about love - some are about vanity. Victorian philanthropist Henry Budd left his fortune to his sons on the condition that they never grew a moustache. A strange request, perhaps, but perfectly legal. Moral of the story? Heirs beware: inheritances may come with strings (or razors) attached.
Final Curtain
When 31-year-old One Direction pop star Liam Payne tragically died last year without a Will, his entire £24.3 million estate passed to his nine-year-old son. No tax planning and no provisions for friends or family; just a stark reminder of the legal and financial mess that can follow when plans aren’t made.
In contrast, there are rumours that rock legend Ozzy Osbourne’s Will includes instructions for his wife Sharon to receive a dozen black roses every week - paid for by his estate. Proof, if you needed it, that you’re never too young to write a Will, or too old to write a love letter.
These stories remind us that Wills aren’t just legal documents - they’re the last word on who we are. They can protect loved ones, offer comfort, raise eyebrows, and sometimes even raise spirits. So, if you want to make a Will, make it wisely, use a trusted professional and for those inclined, feel free to add a little personality too.
To make or update your Will, please contact the experienced and knowledgeable Wills and Estates team at Thompson Smith and Puxon by emailing enquiries@tsplegal.com, or by calling 01206 574431.