In October 2024, the world was shocked by the untimely death of singer and former One Direction star Liam Payne at the age of just 31. Soon after, it emerged that Payne had died without making a Will, an oversight that carries significant legal and financial consequences.
Liam Payne died without a will
His estate, valued at over £24 million, will now be held on a statutory trust for his eight-year-old son, Bear. The child's mother, Cheryl Tweedy, has been appointed as one of the administrators of the estate, alongside a solicitor. Because no Will was in place, Payne had no control over how his wealth would be managed or distributed.
As a result, Bear will inherit the entire estate once he turns 18, regardless of whether that age is appropriate or whether Payne might have preferred a different structure. His partner at the time of his death, Kate Cassidy, will receive nothing—highlighting the stark limitations of intestacy law when no formal legal arrangements have been made.
Why does dying without a will create problems?
When someone dies intestate, without a valid Will, the law applies a fixed set of rules to distribute their estate. These laws:
- Do not account for unmarried partners or stepchildren
- Offer no flexibility for personal wishes or delayed inheritance
- Can result in children inheriting significant estates at a young age of 18
In Payne's case, the law dictates that Bear receives the entire estate at the age of 18. Until then, it will be held on statutory trust, with little flexibility.
In many cases, intestacy can lead to unnecessary stress, family disputes, and lost opportunities. Setting out one's intentions in a legally valid Will avoids these issues and offers clarity at a time when families need it most.
Further insight into why a Will is essential can be found in our overview of why every adult should have one in place.
Aren't wills just for the elderly or ill?
A common misconception is that Wills are something to worry about later in life, but in reality, the earlier one is made, the more effective it is.
You need a Will if you:
- Own property or business
- Have children
- Are in a long-term relationship but unmarried
Payne's sudden passing highlights that youth is no protection against life's unpredictability. With no Will in place, he lost the opportunity to shape how his estate would be managed, how much control his son (or his partner) would have over it, and what legacy he might have left for others.
Beyond inheritance planning, Wills also offer the chance to outline funeral wishes, appoint executors, and address practical matters that loved ones will face. Many overlook these aspects, but they are key to reducing the burden on family members. Details on how a Will can cover funeral preferences and protect loved ones can be found in our guide to including personal wishes in your Will.
For those starting families or building wealth in their 20s, 30s, or 40s, understanding the value of early Will writing is a crucial step in responsible life planning.
What could Liam Payne have done differently?
Had Liam Payne made a Will, he would have had full control over how his estate was distributed. He could have appointed trustees to manage his son's inheritance with clear instructions, delayed access to large sums until a more suitable age, and ensured ongoing financial support tailored to Bear's needs and lifestyle.
He may also have chosen to leave legacies to other loved ones, including his partner, Kate Cassidy, or to charities he cared about. Instead, the strict intestacy laws have overridden any unspoken intentions and left critical decisions to administrators, with no written direction from Payne himself.
This situation is all too common—and avoidable. A properly drafted Will ensures that your estate reflects your wishes, protects your children, and minimises emotional strain on your family.
Why are trusts so important for young beneficiaries?
When a child inherits through intestacy, the law requires that the estate be held in trust until they reach the age of 18. While this provides basic protection, it doesn't offer any strategic planning or take account of their personal circumstances and suitability at such a young age.
With a Will, you can:
- Delay access until 21, 25, or even older
- Stagger the inheritance in stages
- Appoint professional trustees or family members to oversee funds
- Set conditions for how and when money can be used
Liam Payne's son will now receive a multi-million-pound inheritance at 18, with no framework to support financial decision-making or long-term planning. While his mother Cheryl may manage the funds for now, this arrangement was not defined by Payne, it was defined by law.
What should young professionals and creatives be doing now?
If you're a young person with growing wealth, property, business interests, or dependents, now is the time to put your affairs in order. It is not a question of being morbid, it's about being prepared.
You should consider:
- Making a Will tailored to your personal circumstances
- Appointing guardians for any minor children
- Creating trusts to protect your family wealth for future generations
- Reducing exposure to inheritance tax through careful tax planning
These aren't just legal technicalities; they are acts of care and protection for the people you love most.
How can Anthony Gold Solicitors help?
Our Wills, Trusts and Estates team has extensive experience advising high-net-worth individuals, creatives, and professionals. We draft Wills that reflect complex estates, international assets, and modern family dynamics.
We can help you:
- Write or update your Will
- Set up tailored trusts for children or vulnerable beneficiaries
- Appoint executors and guardians
- Plan your estate in a tax efficient manner
- Prepare lasting powers of attorney and advance decisions
Our advice is pragmatic, discreet and always tailored to your personal circumstances. Whether you are planning ahead or responding to a life change, we're here to support you.
Liam Payne's death is a sobering reminder that life is unpredictable, even for the young, wealthy, and successful. But estate planning isn't just about protecting money, it's about protecting people.
Originally published 9 May 2025
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
