Liam Payne's eight-year-old son Bear is set to inherit £21 million from the late One Direction star's estate, newly released probate documents reveal. The documents, lodged with the High Court, show that former partner Cheryl and music lawyer Richard Bray have been granted power of administration over the estate.
Estate Value and Inheritance
The probate documents revalue Payne's fortune at approximately £21 million net, down from an earlier estimate of £24 million. After expenses and debts, the estate stands at £21 million, which will go entirely to Bear Grey Payne. The documents allow the estate to be used immediately to benefit the eight-year-old.
Payne died on October 16, 2024, at age 31, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His funeral on November 20 was attended by family, former bandmates, and Cheryl, with whom he shared Bear.
Intestacy Rules
Reports indicate Payne died intestate, meaning he left no will. Under UK intestacy rules, only married partners, civil partners, or certain relatives can inherit. Since Payne was not married to girlfriend Kate Cassidy, she receives nothing. A source close to Cheryl stated: 'She will always do the right thing by her beloved son. It is a small consolation that Bear will never want for anything, that he will at least benefit from that.'
Another source added: 'Liam had some very sensible people around him for a time and he adored Bear so much. He always wanted to do the right thing by him financially.'
Background
Cheryl and Payne welcomed Bear on March 22, 2017. They split a year later but continued co-parenting until Payne's death. Metro has contacted representatives of Cheryl, Liam Payne, and Richard Bray for comment.
