Cheryl Cole Appointed Administrator of Liam Payne's $32 Million Estate Following His Untimely Death
Cheryl Cole, the former partner of late One Direction star Liam Payne, has been appointed the administrator of the singer's estate, valued at approximately $32.2 million. This comes after Liam Payne’s tragic death in October 2024 at the age of 31, following a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The loss has not only left the world mourning but also raised questions about the future of Liam Payne’s assets, which include his substantial wealth and his young son, Bear, from his relationship with Cole.
Court documents filed on May 1, 2025, confirm that Cheryl Cole, alongside music industry attorney Richard Mark Bray, has been given legal authority to manage Liam Payne’s estate. Since Liam Payne passed away without a will, a condition referred to as dying "intestate," UK law dictates that his estate will be passed to his closest relatives. As Bear is only 8 years old, the estate will be held in trust for him until he reaches adulthood.
While Cheryl Cole and Bray are tasked with managing Liam Payne’s estate, their power is limited to overseeing it rather than distributing any of the assets. Under the current arrangement, Bear’s inheritance will remain untouched until he turns 18, when he will gain full access to his father’s fortune.
The estate, which includes Liam Payne's music royalties, property, and other assets, is estimated to be worth a total of $38 million gross. After debts and expenses, the net value stands at approximately $32.2 million. Despite the sizable fortune, Liam Payne’s death leaves lingering questions about his wishes regarding his wealth. With no formal instructions left behind, the assets will be managed by Cheryl Cole and Bray in accordance with the law, ensuring that Bear’s future is prioritized.
Cheryl Cole, who was in a relationship with Liam Payne for several years and is the mother of their son Bear, expressed her grief publicly after his death. In a heartfelt statement, she urged the public to remember Liam Payne as more than just a famous figure. She emphasized his roles as a son, brother, friend, and father, stressing the importance of compassion during this painful time, particularly for their son.
The funeral of Liam Payne was held privately on November 20, 2024, and was attended by his former bandmates from One Direction—Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan. It was a solemn gathering that marked the end of an era for both Liam Payne’s family and his fans across the world.
As the legal proceedings surrounding Liam Payne’s estate continue, Cheryl Cole’s appointment as administrator ensures that his wealth will be carefully managed, with Bear’s interests as the top priority. While this process unfolds, the public remains in mourning for the talented singer, whose legacy is set to live on through his music and his son.
The focus now shifts to the future of Liam Payne’s estate, as Cheryl Cole and Bray navigate the complexities of managing his assets, ensuring that Bear’s financial security is preserved for years to come.
