Court Decision Over Liam Payne’s Estate Puts Spotlight on Inheritance and Legal Guardianship

A recent court ruling concerning the estate of the late One Direction star Liam Payne has reignited public interest in the management and eventual inheritance of his multimillion-dollar fortune. The case has also raised questions about legal responsibilities and the implications of dying without a will.

Nearly seven months after Payne’s unexpected passing, a U.K. court has formally appointed his former partner, singer Cheryl Tweedy, and veteran music industry attorney Richard Mark Bray as co-administrators of his estate. The May 1 decision, confirmed through court documents obtained by People magazine, was made under U.K. intestacy law, which governs the distribution of assets when someone dies without a valid will.

According to those documents, Payne’s estate has a reported gross value of $38 million, with a net value of approximately $32.2 million after liabilities. The ruling grants Cheryl and Bray limited powers for the time being — specifically, the authority to safeguard and maintain the estate until full administrative control is officially granted by the court.

This limited authority is intended to ensure the estate’s assets remain protected and well-managed during what can be a lengthy legal process. No funds can be distributed until the court issues a full grant of administration, which may take several more months depending on the complexity of the estate and any potential challenges.

Payne, who rose to global fame as a member of the chart-topping group One Direction, was not married at the time of his death. He is survived by his young son, Bear, whom he shared with Cheryl. Under U.K. intestacy rules, in the absence of a will and without a spouse or civil partner, the deceased’s children typically inherit the estate.

As Bear is still a minor, Cheryl — as his mother and legal guardian — has been tasked with helping manage the estate in his best interests. Her appointment has drawn both support and criticism online, fueling a broader conversation about the rights of unmarried partners and the responsibilities of legal guardianship in estate matters.

On social media, some users expressed skepticism over Cheryl’s role. One commenter wrote, “They weren’t married, so Tweedy should get nothing,” while another added, “What about his parents?” Others questioned the fairness of the situation, confusing Cheryl’s role as a former partner with that of a financial beneficiary.

However, many supporters came to Cheryl’s defense, emphasizing her independence and her role as the mother of Liam’s child. “Cheryl Tweedy has her own successful career and fortune. She doesn’t need his money,” one fan wrote. “She’s the mother of his child — that’s what matters most.”

Some legal experts have noted that while romantic partners are not automatically entitled to inherit under U.K. law without a will or civil partnership, the appointment of a co-administrator who is also a child’s guardian is not unusual. It ensures that the child’s welfare — including financial interests — is properly represented during the estate administration process.

The situation underscores the importance of estate planning, especially for public figures and high-net-worth individuals. The absence of a will can lead to legal uncertainty and emotional turmoil for families already dealing with loss.

As the case moves forward, full administrative rights will eventually be granted, allowing the estate’s assets to be distributed — most likely to Bear, who stands to inherit the entirety of his father’s fortune. Until then, Cheryl and Bray will continue to act in a protective capacity to ensure everything is handled according to the law.