What happens if you die without a Will: Liam Payne’s multi-million-pound fortune left to intestacy rules

Liam Payne, the 31-year-old One Direction singer, died in 2024 with no Will in place, and has left the control of his money, property and possessions to his former partner Cheryl Tweedy. The pop star and former X Factor judge, also known as Cheryl Cole, has been given limited Grant of Representation of Liam Payne’s estate, which will allow her to make decisions on the multi-million-pound estate. Music industry lawyer Richard Mark Bray has also been given administrator duties on the estate.

According to the Letters of Administration, the net value of Liam Payne’s estate amounts to £24m pound (after debts and expenses are paid).

As Liam died without leaving a Will outlining what he wanted to be done with his money and assets, his estate is handled under UK intestacy laws. In the absence of a Will, as he is unmarried, the estate will likely be left to his son, Bear. This is because the rules of intestate prioritise surviving spouses or civil partners and children.

This means any partners of Liam Payne, other family members, close friends and loved ones, would receive nothing. Only his 9-year-old son will inherit, but not until he turns 18. A Will is needed to set out how an estate is distributed to others than the next of kin after death.

Cheryl Cole is the mother to Liam Payne’s son, and when the ‘administration period’ proceeds, she will be responsible for distributing the estate on behalf of her son.

Lindsey Rawson, Director and head of the Wills, Trusts & Probate team at Howells said “There can be extreme consequences for your family if you don’t have a Will and die intestate. If you have multiple children, or people who depend on you financially, family, friends and loved ones, and you intend to leave them gifts after you are gone, they may get nothing if you haven’t made provision for these people in a Will. You are instead leaving the decision of what happens of what you own to the rules of intestacy. Even a simple Will can provide structure, clarity, and peace of mind.”

What happens if you die without a Will?

The general rule for someone’s estate is for it to go to the person’s married partner or child. If you don’t have a Will, your next of kin will be responsible for what happens to everything you own, and they decide who gets what from your estate.

If you are unmarried and have no children, the rules of intestacy decides who makes decisions regarding your estate. The person who inherits your estate may not know what your wishes were regarding distributing your estate.

If you have remarried and have children from a previous relationship (and leaving a fortune of less than £322,000), your children will likely inherit nothing unless you have a Will outlining that you wish for them to inherit.

If you have no living relatives, as per the rules of intestacy, the estate will then pass to the Crown.

What can a Will do?

A carefully prepared Will will take priority over the rules of intestacy. In a Will, you can decide who will control your estate after you are gone, what happens to your money, property, possessions, and decide on the care for any children and dependants.

 A Will is particularly important if you:

– Are not married

– Are separated from a spouse

– Have children

– You are estranged from immediate family

– Own property, have savings and/or valuables

Find out more in our writing a Will guide.

A Will writing solicitor can help you write a legally binding Will, advise on the best way to protect your assets and possessions after you have gone, help you set up any trusts and lasting powers of attorney, and advise on inheritance tax.

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