May 13, 2025

Why Everyone Needs a Will: Lessons from Liam Payne’s Estate

This post was written by: Riya Sekhon

One Direction singer, Liam Payne, passed away on 16th October 2024 without a will in place. This means that his estate, worth more than £24 million, will be distributed according to Intestacy Rules, rather than his personal wishes, and certain loved ones will be prioritised, while others may be completely excluded.

Since Payne was unmarried but has an 8-year-old son named Bear Payne, his son is designated to inherit the estate as a beneficiary. Cheryl Tweedy, Bear’s mother and Liam’s former partner, has been appointed as the estate administrator, along with Richard Bray, music industry lawyer.

This means they will take care of the estate, but don’t have the power to distribute anything, or make any major decisions at the moment. 

According to Intestacy Rules, Payne’s parents, siblings, and extended family members would be on the bottom of the hierarchy, and last to receive any of the estate.

The Intestacy Rules don’t acknowledge all types of relationships. Liam Payne’s partner of two years, Kate Cassidy, was not legally married to him, so the rules will not recognise their relationship, and she may not receive anything from his estate.  

While dying intestate means that your estate will be divided up based on Intestacy Rules, it can also create challenges for your loved ones. Family members may have differing opinions regarding inheritance rights, potentially resulting in legal disputes that can be lengthy and costly. Additionally, the probate process may take more time, as the court is responsible for identifying the rightful heirs. 

To avoid any issues after death, don’t hesitate to contact Aston Bond’s experience Private Client team to help you create or update your will. Call 01753 486 777 for a free consultation.