In a tragic twist following the untimely death of Liam Payne last October, it’s emerged the former One Direction star left no will – leaving his ex Cheryl Tweedy and a top industry lawyer in charge of sorting out his multi-million-pound estate.
(Image: INSTAGRAM)
The singer, who shared son Bear with Cheryl, reportedly left behind an estate worth £24.3 million – and now legal experts say the lack of a formal will could pave the way for potential challenges.
Craig Ridge, a contentious probate lawyer at Higgs LLP, told The Mirror exactly what’s happening with Liam’s fortune, and what might come next.
What’s happening to Liam’s estate?
“Liam Payne’s fortune left behind is reportedly worth £24.3 million,” Mr Ridge explains. “Alongside his successful music career, he has co-owned and co-founded various ventures, including music publishing and real estate companies.
“It has been reported that more than half of his fortune is set to go to his son, Bear, though details about the remaining portion of the estate have not been confirmed.”
READ MORE: Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate makes candid mental health admission amid inheritance dramaREAD MORE: Cheryl ‘makes huge decision’ for son Bear about Liam Payne’s fortune
What about Bear’s inheritance?
Liam’s young son, Bear – who he shared with former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl – is now expected to inherit the bulk of his father’s estate. But as Mr Ridge explains, that doesn’t mean the child will gain immediate access to the cash.
“In the UK, the minimum age to legally inherit directly is 18,” Ridge says. “Assets for a minor beneficiary are held on trust until they reach that age.
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“However, if there is a will, then depending upon how that will is drafted, the testator can seek to create a situation whereby a beneficiary or beneficiaries must reach a certain age beyond 18 to potentially access their inheritance.
He wanted to make sure Bear was looked after(Image: Daily Record)
Could Liam’s estate be challenged?
While Liam wasn’t married at the time of his death, his girlfriend Kate Cassidy may still have grounds to claim part of the fortune, Mr Ridge warns – especially given that no legal will was left.
“As Liam has not left a will, with UK intestacy rules, his son Bear will most likely claim the entire estate as there is no spouse or siblings,” Mr Ridge explains.
“However, this can be contested on certain grounds, which can often be the case in substantial estates, as seen with high-profile figures like Michael Jackson’s will, Nelson Mandela’s, J. Howard Marshall II and Jimi Hendrix.
“Disputes often arise when individuals feel they have been unfairly excluded or believe they received less than they need.”
So could Kate Cassidy challenge the estate?
“Under UK law, individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased may have grounds to claim reasonable financial provision, even if they are not married,” says Mr Ridge.
“This means that his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, could potentially be considering a claim. Such claims are complex and subject to many legal conditions and evidential requirements.
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“The challenge would need to be initiated within six months of the Grant of Letters of Administration, so time is a critical factor here.”
With such a sizeable estate and a high-profile name, Mr Ridge warns that without a will, disputes are almost inevitable.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has called for building stronger institutions and attitudinal change on the part of every Nigerian at all levels to win the war against the menace of endemic corruption impeding the country’s growth and development.
Represented by the Director General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, the former EFCC Chairman disclosed this on Saturday while delivering the 9th Oba Sikiru Adetona Annual Professorial Lecture of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, with the theme “Corruption and National Security: Impacts and Consequences.”
The NSA said that the theme of the annual professorial lecture is deeply relevant to the country’s current reality, as corruption undermines the very fabric of the state’s legitimacy, weakens institutions, and diverts critical resources that are meant to develop the country.
“We can not talk about the insecurity in Nigeria without acknowledging that corruption has played a role in eroding public trust, compromising law enforcement effectiveness, and in some cases enabling impunity,” he said.
“Whether it is the diversion of funds meant for military hardware or the undermining of due process in arms procurement, the impact is a clear weakening of national capacity to respond to the threat”.
Ribadu, however, said that the country’s security and corruption challenges are not beyond redemption, but the path to their resolution runs through the corridor of integrity, leadership, and institutional reforms.
“Therefore, we must fight corruption not by responding but by building a strong system that prevents corruption itself,” he added.
“Arrest and prosecution of corrupt officials in Nigeria are only reactive, we must build a system that will make it impossible for the people to be corrupt even if they want to be.
“Corruption is endemic in the country; it cuts across individuals, too, not government alone. So the fight must be institutional and attitudinal.
“People must resolve to fight corruption, it cannot only be the government, the people must join in the fight too, because they also must not take, must also not give, what is our common wealth must not be stolen by anyone. The fight must start from all of us, not for the government alone,” he said.
Ribadu also said that the country is deploying all its arsenals to combat its security challenge. According to him, due to the nation’s superior firepower, over 160,000 Boko Haram combatants have surrendered, more than 300 commanders neutralised, while another 2,500 insurgents have been rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.
He said that the government of President Bola Tinubu recognised that security is no longer the exclusive domain of the military and has therefore always called for the support of all, including the local governance, civil society religious leaders, traditional institutions, youth, women groups, private sector and technology partners to achieve a more secure nation.
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Ribadu equally saluted the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, describing him as a legend, a courageous and visionary leader who is always known to be standing for the truth and the fight against corruption and misgovernance.
Paying special tribute to the royal father, Ribadu described Oba Adetona as a traditional ruler par excellence, a very courageous voice in the fight against corruption, and chief promoter of good governance.
The NSA said, “Oba Adetona’s selfless service to humanity, enduring support for education, and commitment to good governance stand as a beacon of visionary leadership.
“At 90 years of age, Kabiyesi remains an extraordinary symbol of dignity, wisdom, and peace. May his reign continue to be long, impactful, and crowned with tranquility.”
Speaking at the event, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of OOU, Oluwatoyin Ashiru, described Oba Adetona as a living legend in leadership and traditional royalty
He said, “Kabiyesi’s impact on Olabisi Onabanjo University is monumental. He is, without exaggeration, our most generous individual benefactor.
“His endowment fund laid the foundation for the now-renowned Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School for Governance Studies. But he didn’t stop there.
“He gave us buildings, residences, a multipurpose hall, a Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge, and even upgraded the roads on campus.”
Ashiru said that the School of Governance, donated by the royal father, which has now been taken over by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, has consistently grown in leaps and bounds, contributing immensely to nation-building through different capacity-building training and workshops.
The Pro-Chancellor stated that “What makes Kabiyesi’s legacy especially powerful is not just his generosity, but the values he lives by. For over six decades, he has stood for integrity, truth, and moral courage.
“He has taught us that tradition and transparency can go hand in hand — that a leader must not only wear a crown but also carry a conscience”.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Deji Agboola, also described the Awujale as a royal icon, an enigma, a philanthropist, a committed educationist, and a courageous leader who has successfully written in the annals of the country’s history a highly inspirational story to inspire generations yet unborn to embrace selfless service.
Agboola prayed the Almighty God to further preserve Oba Sikiru Adetona to celebrate many more glorious years in sound health and peace of mind.
File: Governor Dapo Abiodun
Congratulating the royal father on his 91st birthday, the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu explained that Oba Adetona’s majestic reign has not only been defined by longevity but by legacy of wisdom, courage and uncommon progressive and visionary leadership.
Gov Abiodun said that Awujale, for over six decades, has continually served as a moral compass and highly respected custodian of culture whose noble and selfless contributions to building a virile, prosperous, and democratic Nigeria are worthy of emulation by all.
The governor said that the state and the country at large would continue to celebrate the monarch for being a beacon of good governance, selfless service, statesmanship, and a role model of uncommon standing, praying that the Almighty God will further preserve the royal father for many more fruitful years.
The Chairperson, Governing Board of the Professorial Chair in Governance, Adetoun Adetona-Daramola, who represented Oba Adetona at the event, lauded the organiser of the lecture while urging everyone to prioritise integrity and truthfulness to move the country forward
Other dignitaries at the annual lecture were the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land and former Chairman, Governing Council of OOU, Dr Sunny Kuku, the Olota of Ota, Oba Prof Abdulkabir Obalanlege, the Ebumawe of Ago Iwoye, Oba Abdulrasaq Adenugba, among others.
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy and former Southampton boss Russell Martin discuss defender Trent Alexander-Arnold being jeered by Liverpool fans after confirming he will leave Anfield this summer.
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Match of the Day 2 looks at the events that led to Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis confronting manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch after his side’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Leicester at the City Ground.
-16 S Straka (Aut); -14 S Lowry (Ire); -14 J Thomas (US); -12 J Bridgeman (US), P Cantlay (US), T Fleetwood (Eng)
Selected others: -10 R McIlroy (NI); -9 X Schauffele (US); -6 M Fitzpatrick (Eng), A Rai (Eng); -4 R MacIntyre (Sco)
Shane Lowry missed out on victory at the Truist Championship as his European Ryder Cup team-mate Sepp Straka claimed the title.
The two players went into the final round in the joint lead on 14 under and it was Austrian Straka who emerged with victory after a final round 68 put him on 16 under.
Irishman Lowry went round in level-par 70, two late bogeys leaving him tied for second with Justin Thomas at the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course.
A key moment took place on the 16th when both Straka and Lowry were on 16 under. Lowry missed a five-foot putt and bogeyed the hole, while Straka managed a par to lead by one shot with two holes remaining.
Straka kept hold of his lead to claim his fourth PGA Tour victory, while a dejected Lowry three-putted the 18th hole to finish two shots adrift of the winner, along with American Thomas.
“I hit a lot of really good shots and made a lot of mistakes. I hung in there,” said Straka.
“I had a two-shot lead [after the ninth hole] and made two bogeys on the next two holes to lose it, but I kept the same attitude and mentality throughout the round.”
England’s Tommy Fleetwood birdied the last in recording a 65, along with Americans Patrick Cantlay and Jacob Bridgeman, as they all finished on 12 under for a tie of fourth.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy, a four-time winner of the event when held at Quail Hollow, the venue for next week’s US PGA Championship, finished on 10 under after a steady round of 68 featuring 16 pars.
“I thought on the greens was good even though I didn’t hole a lot of putts today,” said McIlroy. “My approach play got a little better as the week went on, I just need to hit a few more fairways.
“I feel with next week and the tee shots I have to hit there, it’ll set up better for me.
David Beckham has seemingly turned to social media to hint he has his eldest son on his mind after weeks of reports he is clashing with his firstborn and his daughter-in-law
David Beckham has seemingly ‘reached out’ to his son, Brooklyn, on Instagram(Image: Getty Images)
David Beckham has seemingly attempted to connect with his eldest son via social media amid reports of a feud within the family. Fans of the fame hungry family will be aware the rumours and reports of a rift between Brooklyn, 26, and his billionaire heiress wife Nicola Peltz, 30, have been simmering since their 2022 marriage.
While at first there were tales of tension between Nicola and former Spice Girl mother-in-law Victoria Beckham – which they later appeared to try to silence by supporting each other both online and at events and fashion shows in real life – things took a turn in recent weeks when it was implied Brooklyn had clashed with younger brother Romeo Beckham, 22, and his choice of girlfriend; Kim Turnbull, 24.
Evidence of tension hit new heights last week when Brooklyn a his wife appeared to snub David’s 50th birthday celebrations by skipping parties in the UK and France and by failing to pay tribute to his landmark year on social media. Now there is evidence that David is desperately trying to connect to Brooklyn online.
On Sunday, America celebrated Mother’s Day – almost a month and a half after the annual holiday was marked in the UK. Despite being from the UK, David seized upon the symbolic holiday to share a photo of wife Victoria with all four of their children.
The former footballer shared a vintage snap of Vicky with daughter Harper Seven back when she was a baby laying on her chest – while Brooklyn, Romeo and third son Cruz flanked the singer-turned-designer on either side.
David tagged Brooklyn in a social media post relating to a symbolic holiday in the USA(Image: Instagram)
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He captioned the image: “Happy Mother’s Day to the best mommy. To all our friends in the U.S. Happy Mother’s Day.” He also noticeably tagged his sons – including Brooklyn. Fans have surmised that the footballer may be trying to send a message to his son via his Mother’s Day post.
The Mirror has contacted representatives of both David and Brooklyn for comment. The latest update comes hours after Brooklyn appeared to confront reports of tension between him and his dad in a weekend newspaper interview.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, the social media influencer explained that watching Formula E racing brings him closer to his dad. He told the outlet: “It’s something that me and my dad bonded over. My dad’s had some pretty cool cars.”
A feud is said to have sparked between the eldest Beckham offspring and the rest of the clan after Romeo Beckham started dating Kim Turnball – who was previously romantically linked to Brooklyn a few years ago. Since the claims, Brooklyn has snubbed paying tribute to his parents David, 50, and Victoria, 51, on their birthdays and missed out on their celebrations.
A source has claimed: “There has been no call, no contact, nothing. As parents, David and Victoria are concerned for their son and they have tried to get in touch but he isn’t interested.
“David even tried through social media last Monday because he fears that his son won’t know that he and Victoria love him so dearly otherwise,” they added to the Daily Mail.
David is said to have shared how he missed his son during a birthday fishing trip to Scotland, after reaching out to him on social media but, it has been said that Brooklyn “isn’t interested at all” despite his parents’ attempts to let him know “they are all there for him when he’s ready to talk”.
Meanwhile, it has been claimed that there are beliefs that Brooklyn’s wife Nicola Peltz, who wed in April 2022, “must be behind” the family fallout.
Around the time Nicola and Brooklyn wed, rumours of a feud between the American actress and fashion designer Victoria have been swirling. Nicola’s friends recently claimed “emotional abuse and toxic behaviour” are the reasons behind the fallout. However, David and Victoria reject the claims and are outraged by the suggestions.
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A source close to the Beckhams recently told the Mirror: “I don’t think anyone who has ever seen David and Victoria with their children would recognise this deeply unpleasant attack. It doesn’t even warrant a response it’s so ludicrous and patently untrue.”
