Liam Payne’s £24m Estate Goes to Son Bear After Singer Dies Without a Will

Liam Payne's Fortune Passes to Son Bear After Untimely Death

Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, has left a £24 million legacy— but not in the way many would expect. The singer’s untimely death caught the public eye, but what’s turning heads now is what happens when someone dies without a will. Payne died intestate, leaving UK law to decide who gets his staggering fortune. Spoiler: it's not his former partner Cheryl Tweedy, despite their close connection.

When someone in England dies without a will, it’s the government’s rules that call the shots. In Liam’s case, his 8-year-old son Bear stands to inherit almost everything — and that includes the singer’s plush properties, music royalties, investments, and future earnings tied to his major hits. That’s how UK intestacy laws work: children come first, even if their parents were never married. Liam and Cheryl, though a household name as a couple since 2015, never tied the knot so the law doesn’t count Cheryl as next in line.

Cheryl Tweedy to Manage the Estate—But It’s Not Automatic

This might sound simple, but the real story is trickier. Bear is just a child, so while he’s legally the sole beneficiary, his mother Cheryl will manage the estate on his behalf until he turns 18. That means she calls the shots on Liam’s assets for the next decade or so. But don’t be fooled into thinking this is a given — unmarried partners like Cheryl can get left out entirely if there are no legal arrangements in place.

According to legal pros, the UK doesn’t automatically recognize unmarried partners for inheritance, no matter how long you’ve been together. Cheryl’s role as Bear’s guardian puts her in charge, but she isn’t a default heir. Sometimes, people set up special trusts, or make guardianship agreements, to make sure ex-partners or close companions are looked after. In Liam’s case, there’s speculation these might have been part of his plans, but nothing official has surfaced. Still, Cheryl’s main responsibility will be keeping her son’s financial future on track.

The case has put a spotlight on the real risks celebrities—and anyone with a blended or non-traditional family—face by putting off estate planning. For high-profile figures like Liam, where property, endorsement deals, and ongoing royalties are constantly in play, even small oversights in paperwork can cause big headaches years down the line.

The story is far from over, with fans and lawyers alike watching to see if any unexpected claims emerge. One thing’s certain: the story around Liam Payne and his legacy isn’t just about the music or the fame. It’s now become a lesson, not just for stars, but for anyone who thinks estate planning can wait another day.