Seven months after the tragic death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, court documents have confirmed that his ex-partner Cheryl has been named as one of the administrators of his estate. The paperwork, dated May 1, was obtained by PEOPLE and also lists attorney Richard Mark Bray alongside her.
Payne died in October after falling from a hotel balcony while in Argentina. He was 30 years old and had not written a will. The singer is survived by his 8-year-old son Bear, whom he shared with Cheryl, and other close family members. The estate’s gross value in the U.K. has been listed at $38 million, with a net worth of approximately $32.2 million.
According to British inheritance law, if someone passes away without a will, their estate typically goes to their spouse. If they were unmarried, the inheritance usually falls to their closest blood relative. Since Payne was not married, Cheryl and Bray will now manage his finances on behalf of his son and other legal beneficiaries.
Cheryl and Family Reflect on the Loss Of Liam Payne
Though Cheryl and Payne ended their relationship in 2018, she spoke publicly after his death, describing the loss as devastating. “Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son,” she wrote. “A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.”
She asked the public for compassion and space as the family grieved. “Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last.”
The BBC reported that, as administrators, Cheryl and Bray currently have limited authority over the estate. At the moment, they cannot begin distributing the assets. Their role for now is to manage and protect the estate’s value.
Liam Payne died intestate, meaning he didn’t leave a Will. It’s now been reported that his ex-Cheryl Cole, mother of his eight-year-old son Bear, will administer his £24m estate.
— HeWantsWealth© 🇯🇲📈💸💎 (@hewantswealth) May 7, 2025
His girlfriend Kate Cassidy, receives nothing as they were not married or in a civil partnership! pic.twitter.com/bmoX5i31p2
At the time he passed away, Payne was in a relationship with influencer Kate Cassidy. In a March interview on the U.K. show Lorraine, she spoke about her struggle with grief. Cassidy stated that she still finds it difficult to accept that he’s gone. Referring to him in the past tense, she explained, makes the pain feel even sharper.
His sister, Ruth Gibbins, paid tribute to him on Instagram six months after his death. She shared how she sometimes imagines hearing his laughter and feels his presence guiding her. She expressed how deeply she misses him—whether in quiet moments, loud ones, or everything in between. The family continues to honor Payne’s memory while navigating the legal and emotional aftermath of his sudden loss.
Also Read: Watch: Zayn Malik Sings One Direction’s ‘Night Changes’ on 10th Anniversary Since Exit From Boy Band
