Liam Payne's £24.3M Fortune Faces Uncertainty Without a Will

Following the tragic death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, legal experts have highlighted the complications surrounding his substantial £24.3 million estate due to the absence of a will. According to UK intestacy rules, Payne's 7-year-old son Bear, whom he shared with singer Cheryl, is expected to inherit the majority of his fortune.

Legal specialists from Higgs LLP note that without a will in place, the distribution of Payne's assets becomes subject to strict intestacy regulations, potentially leading to disputes among potential beneficiaries. Craig Ridge, a legal expert familiar with such cases, indicates that while Bear stands to receive most of the inheritance, other parties may make claims.

Payne's girlfriend at the time of his death, Kate Cassidy, could potentially pursue a financial provision claim against the estate. Six months after Payne's passing, Cassidy recently shared on social media that she was taking a "mental reset day," coming shortly after news reports about Bear's inheritance made headlines.

The situation underscores the complexity and potential legal challenges that can arise when substantial estates are left without clear testamentary instructions, even as the family continues to process their loss.