When One Direction star Liam Payne tragically passed away in October 2025 at age 31, he left behind a $50.21 million estate—but no will to direct how it should be distributed. This high-profile case reveals the complex legal challenges families face when a loved one dies intestate (without a will), and why estate planning is essential for protecting your family’s future.

Who This Article Is For

This guide is designed for:

• Families navigating intestate succession after losing a loved one who died without a will
• Parents and guardians concerned about protecting minor children’s inheritance rights
• Unmarried partners who want to understand their legal rights (or lack thereof) in intestate situations
• Anyone seeking to avoid the court intervention, family disputes, and financial complications that arise from dying without proper estate planning

The $50 Million Problem: What Happened to Liam Payne’s Estate

When Liam Payne died, his estate was initially valued at $59 million. After expenses and debts, approximately $50.21 million remained. Because he died intestate, the court had to step in to manage his estate.

Key outcomes of his intestate death:

• The court granted administration of his estate to Cheryl Tweedy, his former partner and mother of his eight-year-old son Bear
• Music lawyer Richard Bray was also named as an administrator
• Under UK intestacy rules, the money will likely be placed in trust for his son Bear
• His girlfriend at the time of death, Kate Cassidy, will receive nothing because they were not married or in a civil partnership

Source: News.com.au | Originally reported by The Sun

What Does It Mean to Die Intestate?

Dying intestate means passing away without a legally valid will in place. When this happens, state intestacy laws—not your wishes—determine who inherits your assets and who manages your estate.

Common consequences include:

• Court intervention: A probate court must appoint an administrator to handle your estate
• State-mandated distribution: Your assets are distributed according to a legal formula, which may not align with your wishes
• Exclusion of unmarried partners: Long-term partners who aren’t legally married typically receive nothing
• Delays and expenses: The probate process becomes more complex, time-consuming, and costly
• Family disputes: Uncertainty about your wishes can lead to conflict among surviving family members

How California Intestacy Laws Work

While Liam Payne’s estate is governed by UK law, California families face similar challenges under state intestacy statutes. Here’s how California distributes assets when someone dies without a will:

If You’re Survived By:

• Spouse and no children: Your spouse inherits everything
• Spouse and one child: Your spouse receives all community property and half of separate property; your child receives the other half of separate property
• Spouse and multiple children: Your spouse receives all community property and one-third of separate property; children split the remaining two-thirds
• Children but no spouse: Your children inherit everything equally
• Parents but no spouse or children: Your parents inherit your estate
• Siblings but no spouse, children, or parents: Your siblings inherit your estate

Critical note for unmarried couples: Domestic partners who aren’t registered or married have zero inheritance rights under California intestacy law—similar to Kate Cassidy’s situation in the Payne estate.

Real-World Impact: Who Gets Left Out When There’s No Will

The Liam Payne case illustrates a painful reality: without a will, the people you care about most may receive nothing.

Common scenarios where loved ones are excluded:

• Unmarried life partners (like Kate Cassidy)
• Stepchildren who weren’t legally adopted
• Close friends who provided care and support
• Charitable organizations you wanted to support
• Business partners or colleagues

• How to Protect Your Family: Estate Planning Essentials

  The good news? You can avoid the complications, delays, and heartache of intestate succession with proper estate planning.

  Key Estate Planning Documents:

  • Last Will and Testament: Specifies how you want your assets distributed and names guardians for minor children
  • Revocable Living Trust: Allows assets to transfer to beneficiaries without going through probate court
  • Advance Health Care Directive: Designates someone to make medical decisions if you’re incapacitated
  • Durable Power of Attorney: Authorizes someone to manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do so

  Special Considerations for Families with Minor Children

  If you have children under 18, estate planning becomes even more critical. Without proper planning:

  • The court decides who raises your children (guardianship)
  • A court-appointed conservator manages their inheritance until age 18
  • Your children may receive a lump sum at 18 without guidance on managing it

  With a comprehensive estate plan, you can:

  • Name trusted guardians for your children
  • Establish trusts that distribute funds gradually as children mature
  • Provide instructions for education, healthcare, and lifestyle decisions
  • Protect inheritances from creditors, divorces, and poor financial decisions

  When You Need a Probate Attorney: Navigating Intestate Succession

  If you’re dealing with a loved one’s estate where no will exists, you’ll likely need to petition the court for administration rights—just as Cheryl Tweedy did for Liam Payne’s estate.

  A probate attorney can help you:

  • File the necessary court petitions to become estate administrator
  • Navigate complex intestacy statutes and family dynamics
  • Resolve disputes among potential heirs
  • Protect minor children’s inheritance rights
  • Establish guardianships and trusts for underage beneficiaries
  • Minimize estate taxes and administrative expenses
  • Ensure proper asset distribution according to state law

  How Much Does Estate Planning Cost?

  Many people delay estate planning because they assume it’s expensive. In reality, the cost of not having an estate plan far exceeds the investment in creating one.

  Typical costs:

  • Simple will: $300-$1,000
  • Revocable living trust: $1,500-$3,000
  • Comprehensive estate plan: $2,500-$5,000

  Cost of dying intestate:

  • Court fees and probate costs: 3-7% of estate value
  • Attorney fees for intestate administration: Often higher than planned probate
  • Family disputes and litigation: $10,000-$100,000+
  • Lost tax planning opportunities: Potentially hundreds of thousands

  Don’t Leave Your Family’s Future to Chance

  Liam Payne’s estate demonstrates what happens when even wealthy individuals fail to plan. His son will be provided for under UK law, but his girlfriend of several years receives nothing, and the courts—not Liam—made all the decisions about his legacy.

  Your family deserves better.

  Take Action Today: Schedule Your Free Estate Planning Consultation

  At California Probate and Trust, we help families throughout California create comprehensive estate plans that protect what matters most. Whether you need a simple will, a complex trust structure, or help navigating probate after a loved one’s passing, our experienced estate planning attorneys provide:

  • Free one-hour consultations to assess your unique situation
  • Clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  • Compassionate guidance through sensitive family matters
  • Customized solutions for families of all sizes and asset levels
  • Probate administration for intestate estates
  • Guardianship petitions to protect minor children’s interests

  Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact California Probate and Trust today at (866) 674-1130 or visit cpt.law to schedule your free consultation.

  Your family’s future is too important to leave to chance—or to the state.