Liam Payne leaving no will proves 'difficult' and girlfriend won't inherit £24m fortune

tragic death sparked an outpouring of grief from around the world from his loved ones to the singer's longtime fans. Court documents have since revealed the One Direction star, who died at 31, left behind a £24million fortune. But without a will in place, the late singer's estate is now being handled under UK intestacy laws. Liam's former partner Cheryl Tweedy, with whom he shares an eight-year-old son named Bear, has been granted the power to administer his estate. She is named alongside Richard Bray, a top music industry lawyer who has previously worked with Ed Sheeran.

Legal experts at have since weighed in on the impact not having a will in place can affect how his estate is divided. Despite the singer being in a relationship with his partner Kate Cassidy for the past two years, she has no entitlement to his fortune.

Lilly Toop, legal director in the private client team at law firm, , exclusively told said: "Liam's tragic death will have been devastating enough for his partner, son and loved ones. The fact he left no will could make things even more difficult.

"Dying intestate, or without a will, leaves no control over who inherits your estate and makes it highly unlikely that your wishes be carried out. UK law is very clear and without a will, estates are distributed according to a set of fixed rules.

"In Liam's case, his son Bear will inherit the entirety of his free estate in the UK, which will be put in a trust and managed until he becomes an adult. Liam's partner is not legally entitled to anything, despite being with the singer for two years prior to his death."

The expert stressed the importance of estate planning and putting a will in place.

"Many people put off getting a will until later in life, however Liam's tragic death is a reminder that the worst can happen to anyone, any time, and being prepared should form part of essential 'life admin'," Lilly explained. "Especially when children are involved, it's a good idea to add extra stipulations around what age they must be before funds are accessed, and who can manage them on their behalf."

She added: "We don't like thinking about death, but estate planning and will writing is an important process to help avoid more heartache for loved ones further down the line."

Liam died after falling from a hotel balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina last October.

His total estate was valued at just under £28.6 million, but this was reduced to £24.3 million after debts and expenses were settled.

In the absence of a will, the rules of intestacy mean Liam's wealth is likely to go to his son, rather than his girlfriend Kate Cassidy - despite her revealing that the couple had planned to marry.