THEY had their whole lives ahead of them, with plans to get married and travel the world together – but just three months after Liam Payne’s long-term partner Kate Cassidy gave her first interview to The Sun on the One Direction star’s tragic passing, it’s been revealed that the star failed to leave a will.
And while the news leaves many questioning whether the influencer will receive a slice of his, I know where wanted his to go – because without knowing it,
he made it clear to me.
While, of course, Liam could have never foreseen , on the handful of times I met him he made his number one life priority abundantly clear – it was, and , .
Now that his estate will be distributed intestate, his eight-year-old son Bear will inherit his fortune.
For the Payne family, a non fame-hungry working class family from Wolverhampton, this is still pretty simple.
I can’t imagine for a second his are clamouring for a slice of his wealth.
However, I’m not so convinced former partners or partners won’t be sniffing about.
Officially, Liam’s heartbroken is in line for nothing – though it remains to be seen as to if she is gifted a slice of his wealth.
She’s made no secret of the fact Liam and hinting the nuptials – or at least the proposal – could have been as soon as by the end of 2025.
The has granted power of administration of his estate to Tweedy, his former partner and son Bear.
Also named as an administrator is top music lawyer Richard Bray, partner in a -based legal firm.
Put simply, his eight-year-old son Bear will inherit his fortune – locked away until 2035 when he becomes 18.
Though the way I see it it’s simple – Bear was Liam’s pride and joy and deserves every penny of his dad’s wealth.
Over the years I met Liam five or six times – and each time he was a total gentleman.
No matter what the occasion – single promo, events, random gigs – each time I was told the same thing: ‘No questions about Bear’.
But Liam just couldn’t help himself.
Within 60 seconds, he’s proudly bring up Bear – each time gushing over his son and the legacy he wanted to leave him.
Bear was Liam’s pride and joy and deserves every penny of his dad’s wealth
“Cute things happen, he knows it’s Daddy’s so he goes ‘put Daddy’s music on’, which is quite cute,”; he told me back in 2020, happily bringing up the fact his then three year old son recognised his tunes.
When Liam released in March 2024, a track that would become his final single, Cheryl took along to Leicester Square to see his dad’s name in lights on the giant digital billboards in the centre of the capital.
“She is the . I couldn’t ask for someone better. He is all she cares about and I couldn’t ask for more,”; Liam previously said of the former singer.
It sounds cliché but he genuinely always wanted to help – understanding of the game both found ourselves in.
We first met in East London while Liam was promoting a phone network around 2017.
He performed his debut single for fans before taking part in a group interview with about 6 other journalists.
Fresh faced and only a couple of years into the industry, I was nervous and no doubt fluffed my questions – I vaguely remember stumbling over my words as I asked him something about his ex bandmate and his own solo plans.
As we exchanged pleasantries and posed for a picture after, Liam turned to me smiling “good questions”;.
I love taking my son to school, it’s the best thing
Liam Payne
Were they? I doubt it.
But I appreciated the sentiment all the same.
The following year we crossed paths at the BMI Awards at the Dorchester Hotel – an evening celebrating songwriters.
Being the biggest name in attendance, Liam wasn’t doing the usual press line, though midway through the evening I cornered him in the hotel lobby.
Whoever he was with that night was quick to tell me no chats, but Liam overrode him and was happy to take a couple of questions before we both scurried back off to our seats.
Despite touring the world and living a glamorous lifestyle, Liam’s favourite things were a lot more humble.
He loved nothing more than going bowling and gates.
“I love taking my son to , it’s the best thing,”; he proudly told me once before gushing over their love of a FaceTime session when apart.
There may not be a will but Liam’s hardly been subtle when it comes to where he wants his fortune to go.
Speaking on his much slated appearance on ’s Impaulsive , Liam made it clear .
‘My life now is his, my money is his’
Liam said: “My life now is his, my money is his.
“I have several companies he can run if he wants one day, or he can sell.
“The scariest thing for me is him waking up one day and saying, ‘I want to be famous’.
“He is already — I will let him do whatever he wants.
“I’ve protected his face since he was young.
“.
“I also know you can’t pop the lid back on.”;
I only hope for everyone’s sake the lack of will doesn’t cause a feeding frenzy.
If it does I’m certain the vultures won’t be coming from inside the Payne family.
Despite finding themselves in the middle of a global media storm they have somehow remained steadfast in their dignified silence.
Apart from a couple of carefully worded statements they have avoided entering into the speculation about Liam.
Sadly, the same can’t be said for former colleagues or partners of the singer.
I just hope everyone sits back and remembers what really matters here – a young boy has lost his father.
The time is not now – or indeed ever – to be fighting over money in the bank.
I can safely say it’s the last thing Liam would have wanted.
