When news broke that Liam Payne had died last year at the age of just 31, it shocked fans around the world. The former One Direction star passed away while in Argentina and, as official records now show, he left behind an estate worth more than £24 million – but no will.

Not having a will leaves his loved ones – including his nine-year-old son Bear, his parents and his girlfriend at the time of his death – facing not just personal grief, but also legal uncertainty and delay.

What happens when someone dies without a will?

In legal terms, dying without a will is called dying intestate. This means the law steps in to decide who should inherit the estate – and those decisions may not reflect what the person would have wanted.

In England and Wales, the rules of intestacy state that if there is no spouse or civil partner, the deceased’s children will normally inherit everything.

Liam never married, but he and former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl have a son together, Bear. While Bear is entitled to inherit his father’s estate, as a minor the funds must be carefully managed until he reaches adulthood. Unfortunately, without a will there is a risk that the child's inheritance is not looked after in the way their parents would have wanted.

Liam may well have wanted Bear to be the sole beneficiary of his estate, but as he had not made a will, Bear will inherit this fortune at the tender age of 18 and there is no saying what impact inheriting this amount could have on someone so young. With better planning and a will in place, Bear could have been protected for longer.

Currently, Cheryl and a lawyer have been named as administrators, with only limited powers to preserve the estate – not distribute it until Bear reaches the age of 18.

The personal impact of not having a will

While the financial and legal implications of dying without a will can be serious, it’s the emotional consequences that often hit the hardest.

Bear has lost his father at a young age – and now faces years of legal processes before he can benefit from the legacy Liam likely intended for him. Without clear instructions left behind in a will, decisions about Liam’s assets – from how his money is invested, to what happens to personal items and royalties – will need to be made by others, with little insight into Liam's wishes and hopes for Bear.

Liam’s girlfriend at the time of his death also has no automatic legal entitlement to any part of his estate. Under intestacy rules, unmarried partners are not recognised – no matter the seriousness or length of the relationship. Without a will naming her as a beneficiary, she may be left without support, despite being a key figure in his life.

Why every parent should have a will

At Switalskis, we regularly support families who find themselves in difficult circumstances following the death of a loved one. One of the most consistent lessons we share is this: making a will is not just about money – it’s about care, protection and peace of mind.

For parents, having a will in place is essential. It allows you to:

* Appoint legal guardians for your children - that is who are the people you want to give them a home, education and care until they are old enough to live independently?

* Set out how your assets should be managed for their benefit - do you want them to have their university education paid for or enough saved for them to buy a house?

* Make specific provisions for partners or close friends - if you are unmarried do you want your partner to have your home and belongings?

* Ensure that your wishes, not the law, determine what happens next. 

Don’t leave your loved ones in limbo

Liam Payne’s tragic death is a powerful reminder that life is unpredictable. No one expects to die young, but having a will in place – especially when you have children – ensures that your loved ones are protected and your wishes are honoured.

If you don’t yet have a will, or if yours hasn’t been reviewed in several years, now is the time to act. Our specialist Wills and Probate solicitors are here to guide you through the process with care and clarity.

Contact us today to speak to one of our experienced team members and start planning for the future – because protecting those you love shouldn’t be left to chance. Call us on 0800 1380 458 email help@switalskis.com or fill out the form below.

PHOTO CREDIT: ANDREA RAFIN