Liam Payne's 9-Year-Old Son Bear Named Sole Beneficiary of Singer's $28 Million Estate
Newly released British High Court probate documents have confirmed that Bear Grey Payne, the 9-year-old son of the late One Direction singer Liam Payne, is the sole beneficiary of his father's estate, valued at approximately £21.9 million — roughly $28 million.
The documents, first reported by TMZ, mark a significant development in the administration of Payne's estate nearly two years after his death. Under the terms of the ruling, portions of the estate can now be used for Bear's benefit immediately, with the remainder held in a statutory trust until he turns 18.
Why Bear Inherits Everything
Payne died Oct. 16, 2024, at age 31 after falling from a balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He did not have a will at the time of his death and was not married or in a civil partnership.
Under intestacy law in England and Wales, when a person dies without a will and without a spouse or civil partner, children are first in the inheritance order. As Payne's only child, Bear inherits the entire estate. Unmarried partners, wider family members and friends do not inherit under those rules.
Payne's former partner, singer Cheryl Tweedy — Bear's mother — and music industry lawyer Richard Bray were named administrators of the estate in May 2025, giving them authority to collect and manage Payne's assets. That role does not mean Cheryl personally inherits any of the fortune; her involvement is tied exclusively to her role as Bear's mother and co-administrator.
The newly issued Letters of Administration from the High Court now allow portions of the estate to be applied toward Bear's needs before he reaches adulthood.
What the Estate Includes
Court documents show the estate includes a five-bedroom home in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, which Payne purchased for £3.25 million in 2021 to be closer to Bear following his split from Cheryl. The property was briefly listed for sale after Payne's death but was later withdrawn from the market.
Beyond the property, the estate is expected to encompass royalties from Payne's years with One Direction — one of the bestselling acts in pop history — as well as income from his solo career, brand partnerships and music publishing rights. The full scope of those ongoing earnings will likely take additional time to quantify as the administration continues.
An earlier grant issued in May 2025 had placed the net value of the estate at £24.3 million after debts and liabilities. The figure in the newly released documents reflects the current assessed value.
Kate Cassidy Will Not Make a Claim
Payne was in a relationship with American influencer Kate Cassidy at the time of his death. The two had been living together, and Cassidy had reportedly received a monthly allowance from Payne during their relationship.
Sources close to Cassidy told The Sun she does not intend to make a claim against the estate. Cassidy has previously addressed speculation about her finances publicly. "When people come and point a finger at me saying, 'You took an allowance and you had living expenses,' or whatever, at the end of the day it's nobody's business except for me and Liam," she said. Under intestacy rules, an unmarried partner has no automatic right to inherit, and the six-month window for anyone to make a claim against the estate is running.
Bear Payne
Bear Grey Payne was born in March 2017. His parents separated in July 2018. He has been in the care of his mother Cheryl since Payne's death and turns 10 this year. He will gain full access to the trust when he turns 18.
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