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Legal Expert Explains the Twist as Liam Payne’s Son Bear Set to Inherit £24.3m Fortune

The tragic death of pop star Liam Payne in October 2024 left not only a void in the music world but also raised serious legal questions about the future of his estate. With a fortune estimated at £24.3 million and no will in place, legal experts are now analyzing the unusual circumstances surrounding who inherits what—and why it may not be as straightforward as it seems.

The Inheritance: Bear Payne Becomes Sole Heir

Liam Payne’s only child, 8-year-old Bear Payne—whom he shares with former partner Cheryl Tweedy—is the sole beneficiary of the singer’s multimillion-pound estate. Under UK intestacy laws, when an unmarried individual dies without a will, their estate typically passes to their children.

That means Bear, despite his young age, becomes the legal heir to everything Liam left behind: real estate, music royalties, personal assets, and future income from his brand and catalog.

But there’s a legal catch.

The Legal Twist: The Role of Trustees and Guardianship

Because Bear is a minor, he cannot directly access or manage his inheritance. According to UK law, his inheritance will be placed in a trust until he turns 18. In the meantime, appointed administrators—Cheryl Tweedy and music industry solicitor Richard Mark Bray—will oversee the management and protection of the estate.

Legal analyst Fiona West, a partner at Higgs LLP, explained:

“The intestacy framework ensures a child like Bear inherits everything. But the absence of a will limits flexibility. For instance, Liam could have set up specific trusts, provided for his partner, or directed how assets should be used.”

Potential Claims from Liam’s Partner, Kate Cassidy

One of the key legal twists lies in the position of Liam’s partner at the time of his death, Kate Cassidy. Though the couple were living together, they were not married nor in a civil partnership. Under current intestacy rules, she is not automatically entitled to any share of the estate.

However, legal experts say Cassidy could pursue a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 if she can prove she was financially dependent on Liam. Reports suggest he covered her expenses and provided financial support, which could form the basis of a valid legal challenge.

Fiona West added:

“There’s a legal route for cohabiting partners or dependents to apply for provision from the estate. While Bear is the rightful heir, a court could rule in Cassidy’s favor if dependency is proven.”

What Happens Until Bear Turns 18?

Until Bear reaches adulthood, all financial decisions will rest with the estate administrators. They can allocate funds for his education, living expenses, and welfare—but not for discretionary purposes outside his needs unless otherwise justified.

Any attempt to sell assets, license Liam’s image, or release posthumous music will need to go through legal review and receive approval from the administrators, who must act in Bear’s best interest.

What This Means for the Payne Legacy

The situation highlights a key legal lesson: dying without a will, even at a young age, can leave behind ambiguity and potential conflict. Liam Payne’s case is now a high-profile example of how intestacy can have unintended consequences—even for someone with no apparent legal complications.

Had Liam created a will, he could have:

• Assigned guardianship preferences
• Allocated part of the estate to his partner
• Specified age thresholds for Bear’s access to the funds
• Directed charitable donations or created legacy trusts

Without that guidance, decisions now fall to the courts and administrators, placing legal and emotional strain on the people closest to him.

Final Thoughts

Bear Payne is set to inherit a life-changing sum, but the path to accessing and managing that wealth is far from simple. As legal experts weigh in, the case serves as both a somber reflection of Liam Payne’s legacy and a powerful reminder about the importance of proper estate planning—no matter how young, famous, or successful someone may be.