In the wake of Tony Hsieh’s untimely passing in 2020, the late Zappos CEO’s estate quickly became one of the most talked-about cases in recent memory. Initially, it appeared that Hsieh had died without a formal Will, leaving behind a chaotic trail of sticky notes that suggested verbal promises and informal financial arrangements. 

The notes were color-coded and scattered throughout his Park City, Utah, home, referencing millions of dollars in potential gifts to friends, employees, and associates, creating confusion and legal uncertainty for everyone involved.

Now, in a surprising and recent development, a document that appears to be Hsieh’s long-lost Will has surfaced.

The document, reportedly signed in early 2015, outlines a structured plan for distributing Hsieh’s fortune, which is estimated to be over $800 million. According to court filings, it includes specific charitable donations, including $3 million to Harvard University, $500,000 to the American Red Cross, and $250,000 each to several well-known foundations. The document also outlines gifts to family members and the transfer of various properties into Trusts designated for unnamed beneficiaries. 

There were also a few surprises included in Hsieh’s Will. 

The first being a personal note emphasizing that he intended for his beneficiaries to “live in the wow” and experience his gifts in a meaningful way, aligning with his well-known philosophy of delivering happiness. The second is a no-contest clause, which means if any of his four family members challenge the Will, they risk being disinherited entirely. These types of clauses are legal in many states and serve as powerful deterrents against family disputes, but their enforceability depends on the jurisdiction and circumstances of the case.

So, where was this Will hiding all these years? That’s where things take yet another unexpected turn. The document was discovered in the possession of a now-deceased man named Pir Muhammad, who reportedly had Alzheimer’s disease and was unaware that Hsieh had passed. Muhammad was listed as one of the Will’s witnesses, but his role in safeguarding the document, or even how he came to possess it, remains unclear.

The Will names a prominent Nevada estate attorney, Robert Armstrong, as a co-executor. Although he has yet to publicly comment, his involvement may add credibility to the document’s authenticity. A court hearing scheduled for May in Las Vegas is expected to determine whether the Will is valid and what implications it may have on the ongoing administration of Hsieh’s estate.

This unexpected twist serves as a reminder of how unpredictable estate administration can be, especially in high-profile cases involving substantial wealth and informal dealings.Whether the Will will stand up to legal scrutiny remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Hsieh did, at some point, intend to leave behind a thoughtfully structured legacy, even if he kept it hidden.

At The Estate Planning & Legacy Law Center, we help clients avoid uncertainty by ensuring their wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable. If you have questions about your estate plan, we’re here to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity. Contact us today to learn more!