Court orders Liam Payne £21m estate to son Bear

The entire estate of the late singer Liam Payne, valued at just over £21 million, will be inherited by his only child, his nine-year-old son Bear. This arrangement has been formalized through newly released probate documents from the High Court, which also grant authority to manage the estate for the boy's benefit.

Payne, the former One Direction star, died at age 31 on October 16, 2024, after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He did not leave a will, meaning his estate is being handled under UK intestacy rules. As his only child and with no surviving spouse, Bear is the sole legal beneficiary.

The court has issued new Letters of Administration, granting power of administration to Bear's mother, singer Cheryl, and music lawyer Richard Bray. This legal step allows parts of the estate to be used for Bear's immediate benefit, with the remainder to be held in trust until he turns 18. An earlier grant in May 2025 had only authorized the collection and preservation of Payne's assets.

The net value of the estate is now recorded as slightly over £21 million, a reduction from earlier valuations of approximately £24 million after debts and costs. While one report...