Liam Payne didn't leave a will, here's what happens to his £24 million fortune
23 June 2026, 11:56 | Updated: 23 June 2026, 12:00
Court documents show that Liam Payne didn't write a will before his tragic death at just 31 years old.
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
In October 2024, singer-songwriter Liam Payne passed after a tragic accident in Argentina. The former One Direction star left behind his now eight-year-old son Bear Payne who he shared with Cheryl Tweedy (commonly known as Cheryl Cole).
When his death was announced Cheryl released a statement calling out the media for their "abhorrent reports" of her exes passing. She wrote: "What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days.
"It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future."
Nearly seven months after Liam's death, it was reported that the star died intestate, which means he didn’t leave a will outlining what he wanted to be done with his money.
Court documents, via the tabloids, have revealed that Liam left behind a fortune of £28,595,000, which after expenses and debts was reduced to £24,280,000, around $29 million.
While he didn't leave a will, documents have shown that the court granted power of administration of his estate to Cheryl, Bear's mother. Expert music lawyer Richard Bray is also named as an administrator.
According to UK laws of intestacy (which is when a person dies without leaving a will), it was always likely tahtLiam's fortune would be placed into a fund for his son Bear. This is because the rules prioritise surviving spouses or civil partners and children.
Now, People have reported that Bear is in fact the sole beneficiary of Liam's estate.
The publication know this after obtaining court documents. They said: "The former One Direction star's son Bear, 9, is the sole inheritor of $29,007,998 from the singer's estate.
"While some of the money can be used now, the majority of it will be held in a trust until Bear turns 18 years old, according to the filing."
Cheryl and attorney Richard Mark Bray are listed as the administrators of the estate and it was reported that they will "manage the money, but they currently have limited authority and cannot distribute it".
Read more Liam Payne news here:
- Niall Horan pens moving song 'End of an Era' in tribute of Liam Payne
- Harry Styles opens up about grieving Liam Payne's death for the first time
- Louis Tomlinson opens up about writing songs about Liam Payne on his third album
- Taylor Swift's heartfelt letter to Liam Payne goes up for auction
- Is Louis Tomlinson's 'Dark To Light' about Liam Payne? The emotional lyrics explained
