In a tragic twist following the untimely death of Liam Payne last October, it’s emerged the former One Direction star left no will – leaving his ex Cheryl Tweedy and a top industry lawyer in charge of sorting out his multi-million-pound estate.
The singer, who shared son Bear with Cheryl, reportedly left behind an estate worth £24.3 million – and now legal experts say the lack of a formal will could pave the way for potential challenges.
Craig Ridge, a contentious probate lawyer at Higgs LLP, told The Mirror exactly what’s happening with Liam’s fortune, and what might come next.
What’s happening to Liam’s estate?
“Liam Payne’s fortune left behind is reportedly worth £24.3 million,” Mr Ridge explains. “Alongside his successful music career, he has co-owned and co-founded various ventures, including music publishing and real estate companies.
“It has been reported that more than half of his fortune is set to go to his son, Bear, though details about the remaining portion of the estate have not been confirmed.”
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What about Bear’s inheritance?
Liam’s young son, Bear – who he shared with former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl – is now expected to inherit the bulk of his father’s estate. But as Mr Ridge explains, that doesn’t mean the child will gain immediate access to the cash.
“In the UK, the minimum age to legally inherit directly is 18,” Ridge says. “Assets for a minor beneficiary are held on trust until they reach that age.
“However, if there is a will, then depending upon how that will is drafted, the testator can seek to create a situation whereby a beneficiary or beneficiaries must reach a certain age beyond 18 to potentially access their inheritance.
Could Liam’s estate be challenged?
While Liam wasn’t married at the time of his death, his girlfriend Kate Cassidy may still have grounds to claim part of the fortune, Mr Ridge warns – especially given that no legal will was left.
“As Liam has not left a will, with UK intestacy rules, his son Bear will most likely claim the entire estate as there is no spouse or siblings,” Mr Ridge explains.
“However, this can be contested on certain grounds, which can often be the case in substantial estates, as seen with high-profile figures like Michael Jackson’s will, Nelson Mandela’s, J. Howard Marshall II and Jimi Hendrix.
“Disputes often arise when individuals feel they have been unfairly excluded or believe they received less than they need.”
So could Kate Cassidy challenge the estate?
“Under UK law, individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased may have grounds to claim reasonable financial provision, even if they are not married,” says Mr Ridge.
“This means that his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, could potentially be considering a claim. Such claims are complex and subject to many legal conditions and evidential requirements.
“The challenge would need to be initiated within six months of the Grant of Letters of Administration, so time is a critical factor here.”
With such a sizeable estate and a high-profile name, Mr Ridge warns that without a will, disputes are almost inevitable.
“Given the size of Liam’s estate and high-profile nature of his career and death, there is always potential for disputes, particularly where there is no will to express Liam’s wishes,” he said.