The Wildest Things People Have Put in Their Wills, According to a Professional

vice.comPublished: 6/8/2025

Summary

For decades, Robert and Gill Phipps have revolutionized the often uncomfortable task of drafting wills into a lucrative family business, crafting over 30,000 wills in nearly three decades. Their clients, ranging from wealthy donors to seafood enthusiasts, have led them through some of life's trickiest situations, including unusual requests like paying with live crabs and challenging inheritance boundaries. Despite the stress, Robert, with his background in law enforcement and the Navy, remains calm, navigating complex emotional and legal landscapes. Now in their 60s, they continue to collect fascinating stories from their work, hoping to share these tales with future generations.