Liam Payne, the One Direction singer, who died after falling from a balcony in Argentina in 2024, left no Will with his estate now in the hands of his former partner and lawyer.
Court documents have revealed Payne’s former partner and mother of his son, Cheryl Tweedy and music industry lawyer Richard Mark Bray have been given a limited grant of representation until a general grant is made. According to the Letters of Administration, the gross value of Payne’s estate amounts to £28,594,888 reduced to £24.3m when any debts and expenses were deducted.
Payne’s son, Bear, is set to inherit the £24.3m pound fortune under intestacy rules.
The case has once again highlighted the pitfalls of neglecting estate planning with individuals and organisations taking to social media with reminders of the importance of writing a Will.
The Association of Lifetime Lawyers wrote
As lawyers, we understand the profound consequences of dying intestate. In this case, the entirety of Liam’s estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy. His girlfriend at the time he died is not legally entitled to inherit. Friends and extended family are similarly excluded. Only his 9-year-old son stands to inherit, but not until he turns 18.
This high-profile situation underscores a message we regularly convey to clients: estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly.
As Lifetime Lawyers, we have a vital role in encouraging proactive planning. Whether through drafting wills, advising on trusts, or helping clients navigate these critical decisions with confidence and clarity.
Kieron Osborne of Squiggle Consult rightly pointed to the lack of advice from the team a high-profile and wealthy individual will no doubt have had around him.
Where were his advisers?
We’re not talking about someone with no support network. Liam Payne had management, lawyers, accountants, agents. A full team dedicated to his career, image, and finances.
But nobody thought to ask, “Have you got a will in place?” No one nudged him about protecting his child’s inheritance, safeguarding his partner, or managing ongoing income from royalties and branding.
This isn’t rare. It’s just visible because it’s a celebrity.
Sam Grice, Founder and CEO of Octopus Legacy, said the case provided a ‘sobering reminder’ of the importance of estate planning at any age.
“Without a will, Payne’s personal wishes, whether to support his family, friends, or causes close to him, may never be realised. Even a simple will would have provided structure, clarity, and peace of mind. Given Payne’s wealth, and the fact he was never married to Cheryl, this is even more pressing.
“When someone of Payne’s profile and resources dies without the most basic level of protection, it is a reminder that, too often, people don’t put these plans in place – thinking they are too young to need it, or that it isn’t relevant to them. With only four in ten UK adults having an up-to-date will, too many families, like Liam’s, are left with uncertainty about their loved one’s wishes.”
Payne died after falling from the balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires on 16th October 2024 with traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his body. Despite charges being brought against a fried, the hotel operator and hotel staff, all charges were dropped in February of this year.
