Newly released probate documents reveal that Liam Payne's eight-year-old son, Bear, will inherit the singer's entire estate, valued at approximately £21 million after expenses and debts. The documents, lodged with the High Court, show that Cheryl, Payne's ex-partner, and music lawyer Richard Bray have been granted power of administration over the estate.
Estate value and inheritance
According to the Daily Mail, the net value of Payne's estate is just over £21 million, down from an earlier valuation of £28.595 million. After debts and expenses, £24.28 million remained, with the final inheritance for Bear set at £21 million. The probate documents allow the estate to be used immediately to benefit Bear Grey Payne.
Intestacy rules and Kate Cassidy
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 or in a civil partnership with girlfriend Kate Cassidy, she receives nothing from the estate. A source close to Cheryl stated, 'She will always do the right thing by her beloved son.' Another source added, 'It is a small consolation that Bear will never want for anything, that he will at least benefit from that.'
Background and family
Payne, a former One Direction member, died on October 16, 2024, at age 31, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His funeral took place on November 20, attended by loved ones including former bandmates and Cheryl. Payne and Cheryl welcomed Bear on March 22, 2017, and co-parented after their split in 2018 until Payne's death.
