Liam Payne's £24M Estate Sparks Legal Scramble After Death Without A Will

Liam Payne tragically died at age 31 after a fatal fall in Argentina, leaving behind a multimillion-pound estate and no will.

With no legal directive in place, the former One Direction star’s ex, Cheryl Tweedy, and their son, Bear, are expected to inherit the fortune.

Meanwhile, his girlfriend Kate Cassidy may be left with nothing despite their reported plans to marry.

Following his untimely death in October last year, Payne left behind an estate worth £28.5 million, which was reduced to £24.28 million after settling expenses and debts.

The former One Direction singer passed away after falling from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Argentina during a drink and drug binge.

Court documents obtained by the Daily Mail confirm that the power to manage Payne’s estate has been granted to Cheryl Tweedy, his former partner and the mother of their eight-year-old son Bear.

Under UK intestacy rules, which apply when someone dies without a will, the estate typically goes to the deceased’s spouse or closest blood relative.

In this case, Bear is likely to receive the bulk of Payne’s wealth via a trust.

Tweedy, 41, was named as one of the legal administrators of Liam Payne’s estate, along with prominent music lawyer Richard Bray.

Tweedy and Payne were in a relationship from 2016 until 2018 and shared parenting duties for their son Bear, despite living mostly apart in recent years.

Sources close to Payne have revealed that he had always intended for Bear to be financially secure and had made informal arrangements toward that objective.

Although no will was filed, it is expected that UK intestacy laws will guide the distribution of assets, primarily to his son.

Recall that Tweedy, deeply affected by Payne’s death, paid tribute to him on Instagram, remembering him as “a dear friend and a father.”

Despite sharing a life together in the months leading up to his death, Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy is unlikely to inherit any part of his estate.

The absence of a will means Cassidy has no legal standing to claim from the estate, even though she said the couple had plans to marry.

Following Payne's death, she revealed he had written her a note expressing his wish for them to wed within the year.

The couple had recently moved into a rented mansion in Florida, while Payne had listed his £3.2 million Buckinghamshire home for sale.

He had originally bought the property in 2021 to be near Cheryl and Bear.

The estate’s limited Ad Colligenda Bona grant suggests that a buyer may have been found shortly after Payne’s passing.

The music world was rocked by Payne's death, especially since he had seemed to be regaining control of his life after years of struggling with addiction.

Payne became sober at a rehab clinic in 2023, but by the night of his death, reports indicate he had relapsed, using alcohol and drugs. Witnesses saw him in the hotel lobby, smashing his laptop and greeting fans just hours before his passing.

Later, three individuals helped him to his room, where he is believed to have accidentally fallen after losing consciousness. His father later flew to Buenos Aires to identify his body.

His funeral, held in Buckinghamshire in November 2024, was attended by Tweedy, his One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson, as well as close friends and family.

Payne’s death was ruled to be caused by “polytrauma,” a term used to describe multiple traumatic injuries.

Five individuals, including the hotel manager, a receptionist, and a friend, have been charged with manslaughter by Argentinian authorities in connection with his fall.

Despite personal struggles, Liam Payne had taken steps to ensure a lasting legacy for his son.

Friends noted he “adored Bear” and was committed to providing for him.

However, due to Payne's time spent in America, most of their father-son relationship was maintained through video calls.

Though Kate Cassidy remains heartbroken and without a legal claim, those close to Payne find comfort in knowing Bear is well provided for.

As legal proceedings finalize, the focus turns to honoring Payne’s memory through the child he loved so dearly.