When One Direction’s Liam Payne died unexpectedly in October 2024, the music world mourned a figure who had spent over a decade in the spotlight. He was just 31.
New probate filings in the UK confirm that Payne died without a legally valid will. As a result, the laws of intestacy in England and Wales determine how his estate, valued at more than £24 million (approximately $49 million) after debts, will be distributed. His net worth included real estate, music royalties, and personal assets amassed over more than a decade in the spotlight.
What was Liam Payne’s Net Worth?
Documents filed with the Probate Registry in London show that Payne’s estate, initially valued at nearly £28.6 million (approximately $59 million), was reduced to £24.3 million after debts and expenses. He died intestate, meaning that the estate will be distributed according to British inheritance law rather than personal instruction. The assets likely include earnings from his One Direction days – when the band sold over 70 million records worldwide – as well as income from his solo career, brand deals, and music publishing rights.
In England and Wales, the rules of intestacy stipulate that if there is no surviving spouse or civil partner, the estate typically passes to the deceased’s children.
Payne had one child, an 8-year-old son, Bear, from his previous relationship with British pop star Cheryl Cole, formerly of Girls Aloud.
Cheryl Cole & Legal Counsel Gain Control Of The Liam Payne Estate
Cole, 41, and Richard Mark Bray, a solicitor specialising in entertainment law, have been named co-administrators of the Liam Payne estate. Their authority is currently limited to managing and preserving assets until a full grant of administration is issued by the court – a step that would enable them to begin the process of distributing the estate, potentially by placing assets in a trust for Payne’s son.
What Was In Liam Payne’s Estate?
Though full details remain confidential, Payne’s estate is expected to include property, music royalties from his years with One Direction and as a solo artist, business interests, and personal holdings. One Direction, which formed on The X Factor in 2010, went on to become one of the highest-grossing boy bands of all time, with record sales exceeding 70 million globally. After the group’s hiatus in 2015, Payne launched a solo career, releasing his debut album, LP1, in 2019.
How Did Liam Payne Die?
Payne died from what a postmortem report described as “multiple traumas and internal and external haemorrhage” following a fall from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur hotel in Argentina’s capital. Authorities initially brought criminal negligence charges against five people in connection with the incident. Three of those charges were dismissed by an Argentinian court in early 2025. No one has been found legally responsible for Payne’s death, and investigations remain ongoing.
Payne was remembered at the 2025 Brit Awards in March, where a tribute montage included footage from his early years, his time with One Direction and scenes of him with family.
Why Having A Will Matters
His passing, while a personal tragedy, has served as a broader reminder of the importance of estate planning – particularly for those in the public eye. Without a will, even the best-intentioned families must rely on the courts to determine what comes next. For now, Cole and legal counsel continue the work of securing Payne’s legacy and, above all, the financial future of his son.
Related articles:
- Remembering Liam Payne: Looking Back At His Most Memorable Moments
- Friends & Family Of Liam Payne Farewell Star In Private Service
