Liam Payne’s £24M Fortune Left in Limbo as He Dies Without a Will

 

The sudden death of former One Direction star Liam Payne continues to send shockwaves—not just emotionally, but legally as well. The 31-year-old singer, who tragically passed away after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina last October, reportedly died without leaving a will, sparking questions over the future of his multimillion-pound estate.

Official court documents reveal that Payne’s estate was initially valued at £28.6 million, but after settling debts and expenses, the net amount stood at £24.3 million. In the absence of a will, UK intestacy laws dictate that the estate be passed on to the closest next of kin most likely to benefit his 8-year-old son, Bear, whom he shares with pop star Cheryl Tweedy.

Cheryl has now been granted the legal authority to oversee the administration of his estate, alongside Richard Bray, a seasoned music industry lawyer known for working with A-listers like Ed Sheeran.

Noticeably absent from any mention of inheritance is Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy. Despite her claims that the couple had plans to marry, she may receive nothing under the current legal framework.

Payne’s tragic death on October 16, 2024, has been ruled a result of “polytrauma,” indicating multiple severe injuries. He reportedly fell from a third-floor balcony at the upscale Casa Sur Hotel after an evening of partying involving alcohol and drugs.

Authorities in Argentina have since charged five individuals, including the hotel manager, a receptionist, and one of Payne’s acquaintances with manslaughter. Investigations are ongoing.

Liam Payne rose to fame as one-fifth of One Direction, the British-Irish boy band that took the world by storm after their formation on The X Factor. Though the group eventually went on hiatus, each member pursued solo careers.