The Importance of Making a Will: Lessons from Liam Payne’s Estate

The importance of making a Will cannot be overstated. It is one of the most effective ways to ensure your assets are passed on according to your wishes and to protect your loved ones from unnecessary legal complications. Despite this, research consistently shows that over half of UK adults do not have a valid Will in place. The recent case of pop star Liam Payne, who died intestate, highlights the potential consequences of not planning ahead.

Liam Payne’s Estate: A High-Profile Example of Intestacy

Pop star Liam Payne left an estate worth £24 million according to official records, but he hadn’t made a Will, which could cause problems for his family. The singer, who rose to global fame with One Direction, died in Argentina in October 2024 at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony. Legal documents now confirm that his estate, including money, property and possessions, was valued at £28.6 million gross, with £24.3 million remaining after debts and expenses were settled. Payne died intestate – without a Will – which means his estate must be distributed according to strict legal rules rather than personal wishes. This has placed his former partner Cheryl, with whom he had a son, and music lawyer Richard Bray in the role of administrators of his estate.

Who Inherits Under Intestacy Rules?

Cheryl and Payne were in a relationship from 2016 to 2018 and share custody of their son, Bear, who is now nine. Under intestacy laws in England and Wales, children inherit when there is no surviving spouse or civil partner. Bear is therefore likely to inherit Payne’s estate in full, though access to those funds may be restricted until he reaches adulthood. Payne’s girlfriend at the time of his death, model Kate Cassidy, is not legally entitled to any portion of his estate. Despite reports that Payne financially supported her and had expressed a desire to marry her within two years, English law offers no automatic inheritance rights to unmarried partners—regardless of the seriousness or duration of the relationship. Cassidy may be able to bring a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 if she can prove financial dependence on Payne at the time of his death. However, this would involve a potentially long and costly legal process. According to reports, she is not currently planning to pursue such a claim.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

When someone dies intestate in England and Wales, their estate is divided according to a fixed set of legal rules. These do not take into account personal relationships unless they fall within specific legal definitions. If the deceased was unmarried and had children, the entire estate goes to the children in equal shares. If there are no children, the estate passes to parents, siblings, or other relatives in a set order. Unmarried partners, stepchildren, friends, or carers have no automatic rights to inherit anything. A surviving spouse or civil partner would be entitled to the first £322,000 of the estate, all personal possessions, and half of the remainder, with the other half going to any children. Wills can also be made “in contemplation of marriage,” meaning they remain valid after the wedding takes place — an option not available in Payne’s case.

Celebrity Estates and Legal Disputes

Payne’s situation mirrors those of other high-profile celebrities who died without Wills, including Prince, Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse, and Chadwick Boseman. Their estates became tangled in legal disputes, delays, and unintended outcomes. These cases underscore the importance of making a Will — especially for those in long-term relationships outside of marriage or civil partnership.

Take Control of Your Legacy

The importance of making a Will is clear: it ensures your assets pass to those you choose and protects your loved ones from unnecessary legal complications. If you die without one, the way your money, property or possessions are distributed may not be what you would have wished. The legal issues surrounding the death of a loved one can often be complex. At Machins we provide expert knowledge and peace of mind by advising on what steps you should be taking and help find practical solutions when you are considering how to ensure your future wishes and financial affairs are protected.

Please contact us if you would like more information about the issues raised in this article or any aspect of Wills and probate.

Further resources

For more information on making a Will and understanding intestacy rules, please visit the following resources:

1. UK Government – Making a Will: https://www.gov.uk/make-will

2. The Law Society – Making a Will: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/en/public/for-public-visitors/common-legal-issues/making-a-will

3. Citizens Advice – Who Can Inherit If There’s No Will: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/death-and-wills/who-can-inherit-if-there-is-no-will-the-rules-of-intestacy/