5 Crazy Inheritance Stories That Will Leave You Speechless

The Dog Who Became a Millionaire
When Leona Helmsley, a wealthy New York hotel magnate, passed away in 2007, she shocked the world by leaving $12 million to her Maltese dog, Trouble. Helmsley’s decision to prioritize her pet over family members sparked outrage, with two of her grandchildren receiving nothing. While the sum was later reduced to $2 million by a judge, Trouble lived out her days in luxury, guarded around the clock due to threats from disgruntled would-be heirs.
The Man Who Left Millions to Strangers
Luis Carlos de Noronha Cabral da Camara, a Portuguese aristocrat, made a highly unconventional decision regarding his estate. With no close family, he selected 70 people at random from the phone book to inherit his fortune. When he passed away in 2007, these unsuspecting individuals received calls informing them of their windfall. Many initially thought it was a scam, only to be amazed when they learned it was true.
The Rich Man Who Faked Poverty
Charles Vance Miller, a Canadian lawyer, was known for his eccentric sense of humor. When he died in 1926, his will set off the “Great Stork Derby,” a bizarre contest in which Toronto women competed to have the most children over a ten-year period. The winner(s) would split his fortune. The result? A baby boom and a legal frenzy as families fought for a piece of Miller’s legacy, with multiple winners eventually sharing the prize.
The Billionaire Who Left His Fortune to the Homeless
Karl Rabeder, an Austrian businessman, decided to donate his $4.5 million fortune to charities helping the homeless. Claiming that his wealth made him unhappy, he left his luxurious lifestyle behind, including his mansion and glider business, to live a simpler life in a small wooden hut. While his family wasn’t thrilled, Rabeder’s generosity inspired others and sparked debates about the meaning of happiness and wealth.
The Heiress Who Left Everything to Her Cat
An Italian heiress, Maria Assunta, made headlines in 2011 when she left her $13 million estate to her beloved stray cat, Tommaso. Having no children or close relatives, she entrusted her wealth to a nurse who had cared for her, with strict instructions to use it for Tommaso’s care. The arrangement ensured that Tommaso lived a life of luxury, complete with properties across Italy and the best veterinary care money could buy.