The untimely passing of Liam Payne was a huge tragedy, both for his loved ones and those who loved his music. Much has been in the news recently about the administration of his £24 million estate, a process complicated by the fact that he died without a will in place.
For most young adults, writing a Will isn’t exactly top of the to-do list. It can feel like something for much later in life or only relevant for the very wealthy.
But Liam Payne’s example is a powerful reminder of why making a Will matters, no matter your age or celebrity status.
Despite having an estate worth over £24 million, UK intestacy rules — not his own wishes — determined how his wealth would be distributed. His young son Bear is set to inherit everything. While many would agree that’s a fitting outcome, the absence of a Will has raised complex questions and left others close to him, including his long-term partner, without any legal entitlement.
In this article, we’ll examine the process of administering an estate and how your affairs could be affected if you don’t have a Will in place versus when you do have a will in place.
What happens when you die without a Will?
Dying intestate (without a valid Will) means:
- The law decides who inherits — you don’t
- Unmarried partners, no matter how long-standing or serious the relationship, are not entitled to inherit
- Family members may face delays, extra legal hurdles, and emotional stress at an already difficult time.
In Liam’s case, the courts granted his former partner, Cheryl Tweedy, the power to administer his estate, alongside a professional music lawyer. In this particular case, Payne’s son Bear is set to inherit his father’s assets — an outcome many will agree is sensible. But in a lot of cases, intestacy can lead to disputes or unintended outcomes, particularly if family relationships are complex or if there are dependents outside the immediate legal family.
What’s the process of administering an estate when there’s a Will in place?
When someone dies with a valid Will, the process is generally clearer and faster. The Will usually names one or more executors, aka the people responsible for administering the estate.
The key steps are:
- Locate the Will and confirm it’s the most recent version
- Apply for probate (official permission to carry out the Will’s instructions). This involves applying for a grant of probate
- Value the estate, including property, savings, investments, and possessions
- Settle any debts or taxes (including inheritance tax, if applicable)
- Distribute the remaining assets according to the instructions in the Will.
Having a Will avoids many of the uncertainties and delays that can arise without one. It also makes it clear who should inherit, reducing the likelihood of disputes.
What’s the process of administering an estate when someone dies intestate?
When there’s no valid Will, the process becomes more complicated. Instead of an executor, a close family member (usually a spouse, civil partner, or child) must apply to become the administrator of the estate.
The steps are:
- Apply for letters of administration, which grant the legal right to manage the estate
- Identify the beneficiaries according to the UK’s intestacy rules. This usually means spouses or civil partners first, then children or other relatives
- Value the estate and assess any debts or taxes owed
- Pay debts and taxes before distributing any remaining assets
- Distribute the estate strictly according to intestacy laws, regardless of the deceased’s personal wishes or any verbal agreements.
If there are no eligible family members or if disputes arise, the process can become lengthy and costly.
Why do younger adults put off writing a Will?
It’s common to think:
- “I don’t own much.”
- “I’m too young to think about that.”
- “I’ll sort it out when I settle down/buy a house/have kids.”
But life moves quickly. Whether it’s accumulating savings, property, or starting a family, the reasons to write a Will often appear long before people expect them to. And without clear, legal instructions, loved ones can be left in difficult positions.
It’s simpler than most people realise
Writing a Will doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. For most people, it can be drawn up quickly with professional help. And once it’s in place, it’s easy to update as circumstances change — whether that’s moving in with a partner, buying a home, or having children.
The bottom line
You don’t need to be famous or wealthy to need a Will. You just need people or assets you care about.
Liam Payne’s situation — though high profile — is not unique. Many younger adults unintentionally leave loved ones vulnerable by delaying a decision that could offer clarity, protection, and peace of mind.
The right time to write a Will isn’t when you’re older. It’s when you have something, or someone, to protect.
To ensure your Will is enforceable and legally correct, it’s always best to work with a qualified solicitor. Our expert Wills team is ready and waiting to help you get your will in place and enjoy peace of mind that your loved ones are provided for should you pass away.
To get started, contact us by calling 0161 930 5151, emailing enquiries@gorvins.com or filling in the online form today.