Liam Payne’s son Bear, nine, has been named the sole beneficiary of the late pop star’s $29m (£21.9m) estate, it has been reported.
The former One Direction star turned solo artist died on 16 October 2024, aged 31, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
People magazine has cited court documents that name Bear as sole inheritor of his estate.
At the time of his death, Payne had amassed a fortune of £28.6m. This figure was reduced significantly to £24.3m after expenses and debts were paid in the aftermath of his passing, The Independent reported in May.
While some of the money can be used now, the majority of it will be held in a trust until Bear turns 18, according to the filing.
Payne welcomed Bear, his first and only child, with singer Cheryl in 2017.
Cheryl was named the administrator of Payne’s estate in May 2025 – seven months after he died without leaving a will – along with top music lawyer Richard Bray.
Due to British laws of intestacy, which govern the affairs of those who die without a will, a deceased person’s estate is usually passed on to their lawful spouse or their closest blood relative.
Cheryl and Payne first met on The X Factor in 2008, when Payne was 14 and Cheryl was 24 and married to her now ex-husband, footballer Ashley Cole.
She and Payne confirmed their relationship in 2016, shortly after her split from second husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini.
Payne said the birth of his son was his “favourite memory” of his life.
In an announcement a few days after Bear’s arrival, the former couple shared a Polaroid shot of Payne cradling his son.
“I’m incredibly happy to welcome our new baby boy into the world,” Payne wrote on Instagram. “It’s a moment that I will never forget for the rest of my life and my favourite memory I have so far.
“I’m completely in awe of his incredible mother and how she has been the whole way through this, she’s really made my dreams come true.”
At the time of his death, he was in a relationship with influencer Kate Cassidy, whom he met in October 2022.
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