Wills are supposed to bring closure, but some end up causing more drama than a soap opera. From tractors to napkins, from music legends to billionaires, these famous contested wills not only shocked the world but also redefined how estate law is understood.
The Dog Who Became a Millionaire.
When German Countess Karlotta Liebenstein left her $65 million fortune to her German Shepherd, Gunther III, people were stunned. Today, Canadian law wouldn’t allow it — pets are property, not heirs. Instead, owners must leave money in trust for their pets’ care.
Lesson: You can’t leave millions to your dog in Canada… but you can make sure Fluffy gets pampered for life.
The Tractor That Wrote a Will.
Pinned under his tractor in 1948, Saskatchewan farmer Cecil George Harris carved: “In case I die, I leave it all to the wife.” He died the next day, and the courts upheld it as a valid holographic will.
Lesson: Intent matters more than paperwork. Even a tractor fender can carry legal weight.
Aretha Franklin’s Couch Surprise.
The Queen of Soul hid two handwritten wills in her couch. One from 2010, another from 2014. After a family feud, the courts sided with the 2014 version.
Lesson: A will is useless if no one knows where to find it. Pro tip: don’t hide it in the furniture.
The Great Stork Derby.
In 1926, Toronto lawyer Charles Vance Millar promised his fortune to the woman who gave birth to the most kids in ten years. Cue a baby boom, lawsuits, and public outrage. The courts still upheld it.
Lesson: Wacky clauses don’t make a will invalid if intent is clear. Millar’s will is still a legend in Canadian law schools.
The McDonald’s Napkin Will.
Canadian Philip Langan thought he was having a heart attack in 2015. He grabbed a McDonald’s napkin and wrote: “Split my property evenly.” Years later, his daughter presented it as his will. The courts said yes.
Lesson: Testamentary intent > stationery. A napkin can be as powerful as a legal form.
Prince: The Superstar With No Will.
Prince died in 2016 with no will, no heirs, and a $156 million estate. It took six years to sort out, with the fortune eventually split among holding companies.
Lesson: No will? No peace. Without estate planning, even superstars leave chaos behind.
Liliane Bettencourt & The Billionaire’s Mind.
The L’Oreal heiress’s daughter challenged her will, claiming Liliane didn’t have mental capacity after gifting over €1 billion to a photographer. The court agreed and voided it.
Lesson: Sound mind is a must. If mental capacity is doubtful, so is the will.
Robin Williams’ Family Feud.
Robin Williams left $100 million to his kids and his house to his wife — but forgot to specify who got his personal items. Cue a bitter battle over clothes, collectibles, and even fossils.
Lesson: Don’t leave it vague. Even sentimental stuff needs to be spelled out.
Michael Jackson’s Executor Drama.
After the King of Pop’s death, his siblings tried to oust his executor, claiming mismanagement. Courts reminded everyone: executors can only be removed for solid proof of wrongdoing.
Lesson: Choosing the right executor is as important as choosing beneficiaries.
From napkins to tractors, these cases prove one thing: estate law isn’t just about money — it’s about clarity, capacity, and intent.
Whether you’re a farmer, a superstar, or someone who just really loves their dog, having a well-drafted, secure, and clear will can prevent years of heartache and expensive legal battles.
Call us at (480) 719-7333 to connect with top estate and tax planning lawyers in Arizona.
