Liam Payne’s death without a will and what it means for unmarried partners

The untimely death of Liam Payne at just 31 has shocked the world. But beyond the emotional response, his passing has drawn attention to a serious legal issue: he died without leaving a will.

Liam is survived by his young son, Bear, from his previous relationship with Cheryl. At his death, he was in a committed relationship with Kate Cassidy. It’s been reported that he was financially supporting her, and among his papers was a note in which he said he planned to marry her in the next 2 years.

Unfortunately, such a note carries no legal standing in the eyes of the law. Because Liam died intestate (without a valid will), his estate will be dealt with under the rules of intestacy in England and Wales.

These rules provide that the entire estate passes to the deceased’s children where the deceased did not have a spouse or civil partner. As an unmarried partner, Kate has no automatic entitlement to inherit anything—regardless of how long they were together or whether he supported her financially.

Could Kate claim against Liam’s estate?

Yes—potentially. Under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, someone financially dependent on the deceased at the time of death may be able to claim “reasonable financial provision” from the estate.
However, bringing such a claim requires evidence and is often emotionally and financially draining. In Kate’s case, reports suggest she is not planning to bring a claim despite likely being eligible.

Would marriage have changed things?

Yes – had Liam and Kate married, the legal outcome would have been very different. Under intestacy rules, a surviving spouse is entitled to:

• The first £322,000 of the estate;
• All of the deceased’s personal belongings and
• Half of the remaining estate (with the other half going to any surviving children)

In addition, it’s worth noting that wills can be made in contemplation of marriage. If Liam had made a will referencing his intention to marry Kate, it could have remained valid even after the wedding and allowed him to provide for her—despite not being married at his death.

Other celebrities who died without wills

Liam is not alone. Other high-profile figures who died intestate include:

• Prince – whose multi-million-dollar estate was tied up for years due to the absence of a will.
• Aretha Franklin – whose handwritten notes sparked family disputes and court battles.
• Bob Marley – whose estate has remained a legal tangle decades later.
• Amy Winehouse – whose estate passed under intestacy rules, leaving her partner with no entitlement.
• Chadwick Boseman – whose widow had to apply to the court to administer his estate.
• Gene Hackman – whose will may not have left his assets as intended.

These examples show that even the wealthy and famous are not immune to the consequences of poor estate planning.

Final thoughts

Liam Payne’s death is a tragedy. But it also serves as a powerful reminder of how important it is to plan ahead — particularly for unmarried couples. Without a will, even deeply held intentions can go unfulfilled, and those closest to you may be left with nothing.

If you’re in a serious relationship, especially if you’re not married or in a civil partnership, it’s essential to understand where the law stands — and take steps to make your wishes legally binding.

For further information about making a will, contact Solicitor, Kathryn Tunbridge on 01227 274241 or any member of our Private Client team.