The sudden and tragic death of Liam Payne last October in Buenos Aires continues to resonate deeply with fans around the world. The former One Direction star was just 31 when he fell from a hotel balcony—an accident that shocked the global music community. Even more unexpectedly, he left behind no will.
Official documents confirm that Payne’s estate is valued at over £24 million, including property holdings and various other assets. While initial estimates placed his net worth closer to £28.6 million, deductions for debts and operational costs brought the figure down.
Under UK inheritance law, and because Liam was not married at the time of his death, his nine-year-old son Bear is now the sole beneficiary. Bear is the child he shared with former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl. Though Liam and Bear reportedly had limited contact in recent years, those close to Payne say the boy remained his emotional priority, with regular check-ins via video calls.
Cheryl, along with veteran music industry lawyer Richard Bray, has been named as one of the estate’s executors. For now, however, their powers are limited—distribution of the estate can’t proceed immediately. The likely outcome is the creation of a trust that Bear will inherit once he reaches adulthood.
Payne’s partner at the time of his death, influencer Katie Cassidy—whom he was reportedly planning to marry—has no legal claim to the estate, given that there was neither a marriage nor a will naming her as a beneficiary.
Liam Payne was one of the most recognizable voices of his generation. While his loss leaves an irreplaceable void, it also leaves behind a legacy shaped not just by music, but by a quiet devotion to fatherhood.
