The sudden death of Liam Payne in October 2024 shocked fans around the world. As new legal and financial details emerge, it’s been revealed that his only son, Bear, is the sole heir to the singer’s enormous £24 million estate—a figure that could grow to an astonishing £48 million by the time he turns 18. Here’s everything we know.
Bear Named Sole Heir Under Intestacy Laws
Liam Payne passed away at age 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16, 2024. Court documents reveal his estate was valued at £28,594,888, with £24,279,728 remaining after debts and fees. Since he died without a will, the UK’s intestacy laws apply—giving the full inheritance to his only child, Bear, as Payne was not married or in a civil partnership.
£24 Million Could Grow to £48 Million with Smart Investing
Experts say Bear’s inheritance could potentially double over ten years. According to Simon Lambert of This is Money, if trustees invest the £24 million with an average 5% annual return, it could grow to £39.5 million. A 7% return could push it to £48 million. However, this assumes no major withdrawals are made during Bear’s childhood and the funds are professionally managed for long-term growth.
Why Bear’s Trust Is Tax-Free – and How It’ll Be Managed
Bear’s inheritance is protected under a bereaved minor trust, which is exempt from inheritance tax—so long as he becomes entitled to the assets at age 18. Heather Rogers of Aston Accountancy explains that the trust allows income use only for Bear’s benefit while he’s a minor. Cheryl Tweedy and music lawyer Richard Bray have been appointed by the High Court as temporary administrators. They’ll help preserve the estate until long-term legal arrangements are finalized. The trust will include cash, property—including a mansion in Buckinghamshire—and other investments.
Cheryl May Delay Inheritance Beyond 18 for Bear’s Well-Being
Despite the legal entitlement at age 18, insiders say Cheryl may delay Bear’s access to the funds until he’s 25 or older. She reportedly wants Bear to be mature and capable of making informed financial decisions. One source revealed Cheryl might release the inheritance in stages throughout Bear’s late 20s and 30s to protect him from undue influence and help him build his own ambition and success.
Why Liam’s Girlfriend Gets Nothing – and the Story Behind His Final Days
Though Liam was living with influencer Kate Cassidy shortly before his death, legal experts confirm she has no claim to his estate. The couple hadn’t cohabited for the required two years under UK law. Friends say Kate was “never in it for the money” and supports the inheritance going entirely to Bear. Liam had reportedly always planned to leave everything to his son and had once bought a £357,000 home for his parents. His death was ruled as “polytrauma” with substances found in his system.
While charges were dropped against three people, two men remain in custody for allegedly supplying drugs. Despite the tragedy, those close to Liam say he always intended for Bear to be cared for financially. Stay tuned to TVSeasonspoilers for more updates and the latest news.