Pop-Star Legacy Casts Intestacy Law into Light
Liam Payne’s estate has been revealed after the pop star died last October without writing a last will and testament, leaving behind a fortune of $32.3 million.
As many will recall, the former One Direction singer died in October 2024 at age 31 after he fell from a third floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The musician had been living in Florida in the months leading up to his untimely death. And just a few weeks prior to his passing, he and his girlfriend (Kate Cassidy) moved into a rental property in Wellington.
When someone dies without a valid will, their assets are declared “intestate.” The lack of a will to direct Mr. Payne’s multi-million dollar estate – but what even is intestacy law? And how might it affect how an estate is distributed? This article will go over some of those basics – for specific advice and to work with a legal expert on managing your own estate, contact an experienced attorney at Suncoast Civil Law.
What is “Intestate”?
Intestacy simply means that the courts are required to invoke a specific process in determining who will receive assets after the death of an individual who has not left behind a valid last will and testament. This process will look different depending on the state that will be handling the intestacy proceedings.
Florida Intestate Succession
Florida has a complex, sometimes elaborate process that determines who receives the assets. Florida Statute Sections 732.101-.109 cover this process. When someone passes away without a valid last will and testament/estate plan, all assets will go to the closest relatives in a specific order.
- The first to inherit will be a surviving spouse who had been currently married to the deceased when they passed away. If there are no children, that spouse will get everything.
- Next to inherit are any children. Step-children are not automatically included in this, though adopted children are, alongside any biological children.
- If the decedent had no spouse or children, their parents, and then any siblings, would be next in line to divide the estate.
There are circumstances where the above would mean an unjust distribution of an estate – and probate suits that challenge estate distribution go forward all the time. An experienced wills & probate attorney can help you understand any strengths or weaknesses in your own potential case.
Payne’s Estate
News reports state that Cheryl Tweedy, a former partner with whom the late singer shares a son, has been appointed as an administrator of his estate, alongside a music industry attorney. Reportedly, with no last will and testament otherwise directing the funds and assets, the entirety of the estate is slated to be inherited by Mr. Payne’s young son. Details on how and when that might occur have not yet been made public.
Contact Suncoast Civil Law
Whether you want to set up your own estate to avoid it falling into intestacy, need help navigating the intestacy process, or want to fight an unjust proceeding – contact the experienced Sarasota wills & probate attorneys at Suncoast Civil Law. Allow our experience to help guide you toward your best possible outcome.
Source:
nytimes.com/2025/05/07/arts/music/liam-payne-estate-will.html