Why Liam Payne’s Son Bear Mightn’t See His Inheritance Until He’s 25
The music world was stunned by the untimely passing of Liam Payne in late 2024, and while tributes continue to pour in, attention has turned to the fate of his reported £24.3 million estate. As per UK intestacy laws, the entirety of Liam’s fortune is set to pass to his only child, 8-year-old Bear Payne. But despite being the sole legal heir, Bear may not see a penny of that inheritance until long after his 18th birthday — and possibly not until he’s 25.
Here’s why.
The Legal Minimum: 18 Years Old
In the absence of a will, UK law dictates that a minor inheriting an estate cannot directly access it until they turn 18. That’s the earliest legal threshold — but many families, especially high-net-worth estates, deliberately delay access to large sums of money beyond that.
Since Liam died without a will, the default age of inheritance would be 18. However, there’s a twist: estate administrators have discretion when it comes to how the assets are held and distributed over time — especially when managing a complex estate with substantial royalties and brand value.
Why 25 Might Be the Real Age
1. Delayed Disbursement via Trust Structures
Even under intestacy, estate administrators can petition the court or set up discretionary or protective trusts to stagger the inheritance. This is commonly done to prevent young heirs from receiving vast sums of money before they are financially mature.
Legal analyst Simon Delaney, a probate expert, explains:
“Even if Bear is entitled to the estate at 18, administrators might preserve portions in trust, releasing funds gradually. Courts often approve deferrals to 21 or 25 — especially in high-risk or high-profile cases.”
2. Royalties and Ongoing Income
Liam’s music catalog continues to earn through streaming, licensing, and publishing. Administrators may protect Bear’s financial future by retaining royalties within a trust until he reaches a more responsible age. This also helps shield the estate from premature mismanagement or exploitation.
3. Financial and Emotional Maturity
Many celebrity estates have been lost due to early inheritance. In fact, it’s now standard practice among financial advisers to recommend age 25 (or even 30) for major disbursements, giving heirs more time to mature emotionally and develop financial literacy.
Delaney notes:
“We’re not just talking about bank accounts. This is legacy wealth — involving intellectual property, brand rights, real estate, and investment portfolios. The risk of mishandling is real.”
What Happens in the Meantime?
Until Bear turns 18, the estate’s assets will be managed by administrators — Cheryl Tweedy (his mother) and legal trustee Richard Mark Bray. They will:
- Use funds for Bear’s education, housing, travel, and healthcare.
- Maintain and grow estate assets through investments and licensing.
- Ensure all expenses are “in Bear’s best interest,” as required by law.
But Bear himself will have no legal control over these decisions for now.
Could a Court Delay It Beyond 18?
Yes. If Liam had made a will specifying a later age, that would be enforceable. In this case, he didn’t — but courts can still approve a protective arrangement, particularly if:
- The estate is complex or volatile.
- There are potential legal claims from dependents (e.g., Kate Cassidy).
- The child’s well-being would be better served by staggered access.
These structures are especially common when media attention and financial pressure are involved.
The Takeaway
While Liam Payne’s son Bear is set to inherit an immense fortune, don’t expect him to touch that money anytime soon. Legal structures, protective trusts, and financial maturity considerations may delay access until he is 21, 25, or even older — depending on how the estate is managed.
Ultimately, this delay may prove to be a blessing. It could ensure Bear inherits not only wealth but the wisdom and structure to protect it — preserving Liam Payne’s legacy for years to come.
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