What Happened to Liam Payne?
Former One Direction star Liam Payne, reportedly worth £24.3 million, has tragically passed away — and left no Will behind.
Yes, you read that right. No Will. No plan. No direction.
As private client solicitors, this sends a shiver down our spines. It’s not just about money — it’s about family, control, and doing right by your loved ones. Let’s break down what this means, who inherits what, and how easily this mess could have been avoided.
What Happens When You Die Without a Will?
This is called dying intestate. When there’s no Will, the government decides who gets your money, possessions and property – using a strict pecking order called the intestacy rules. And guess what? The people you wanted to inherit might not see a penny.
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Who gets Liam’s millions?
His son Bear will inherit everything.
Since Liam wasn’t married or in a civil partnership at the time of his death, and he leaves behind a child, Bear, who is legally entitled to inherit the entire estate – all £24.3 million of it.
But there’s a catch. A very big one.
The Bear Necessities: What Happens Now?
Bear is still a minor and his inheritance will probably be held in a Bereaved Minors Trust (BMT). This trust:
- Manages Bear’s inheritance until he turns 18
- Can apply income for his maintenance, education, and advancement
- Allows the capital to be handed over to him when he becomes an adult
- Avoids any extra inheritance tax charges when Bear inherits
If the funds are invested wisely – think ISAs, shares, even property – he could inherit much more than £24 million when he turns 18.
But that’s assuming everything goes smoothly. And remember: there’s no Will. Which leads us to…
Who’s in Charge Now?
No Will = no executors. So the court had to step in and appoint administrators to manage Liam’s estate.
Cheryl (Bear’s mother) has reportedly been appointed under a limited grant (ad colligenda bona) – basically just enough authority to gather and protect assets for now. But because Bear is a minor, a second administrator had to be appointed too – usually a solicitor, to ensure things are handled properly.
Without a Will, Liam left the court to make all the important decisions — and that’s a problem.
Had he made one, he could have:
- Chosen his own executors – trusted individuals to take charge and handle things properly
- Put long-term protections in place – like a trust that releases Bear’s inheritance in stages, tied to life milestones like turning 25 or finishing university
- Set clear instructions for gifts and guardianship – deciding who gets what, and who should look after Bear if needed
- Provided for other loved ones – friends, family, or anyone else he cared about
- Left something for his partner – who, under the rules, receives nothing and can’t claim unless she met specific cohabitation criteria
- Included investment strategies – so Bear’s inheritance could grow, not dwindle, before he’s old enough to manage it
A Will would’ve given Liam the power to shape his legacy – not leave it up to legislation, and the beauty of a Will? It’s personal. You can tailor it to your life: delay gifts, support vulnerable beneficiaries, or even add quirky clauses like ensuring your best friend gets your favourite guitar if they finally learn to play it properly. Whatever matters to you — it can be captured.
The Hidden Dangers of Intestacy
Aside from the legal chaos, intestacy can:
- Lead to family disputes
- Put minor children’s futures in the hands of courts
- Cause unnecessary stress during a time of grief
- Mean assets go to estranged or unintended relatives
- In the worst cases, see your estate pass to the Crown if no relatives can be found (bona vacantia)
It’s cold. It’s clinical. It follows a predetermined order of kinship — and it doesn’t care if you’re estranged, separated, or halfway through planning your wedding. Cue scary music…
Final Thought – Don’t Be Like Liam. Make a Will
Liam didn’t plan for the worst – and now his young son is at the centre of a legal maze. Don’t leave your loved ones in the same position.
Because life is unpredictable. But your legacy doesn’t have to be.
Don’t be like Liam. Make a Will. Your loved ones will thank you (and so will we).
Contact our Wills & Estates Lawyers for Advice
Our Private Client team is available to assist you with all aspects of estate planning. Whether you require a straightforward Will or a more tailored solution, we are here to guide you through the process.
Our team can assist with:
- Appointing trusted executors
- Protecting the future of your children
- Establishing trusts for minor or vulnerable beneficiaries
- Minimising tax liabilities
- Ensuring your wishes are respected and upheld
📞 Contact Rose Varsani on: 0207 387 2032
📧 Or email: pvarsani@lewisnedas.co.uk
Disclaimer:
This blog is for general information and interest only. It does not provide legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. If you’d like tailored legal guidance, please contact us directly.