Why estate planning matters—regardless of age or wealth
Many people believe estate planning is something to consider later in life, or only if they have significant assets. But the recent and tragic passing of Liam Payne, the 31-year-old singer and former member of One Direction, is a powerful reminder that no one is too young to create a Will.
When Liam died in 2024 without a Will, his estimated £24 million estate became subject to the UK’s intestacy laws. Because he was unmarried at the time of his death, none of his assets will automatically go to his former partner or other family members. Instead, his entire estate will pass to his 9-year-old son, Bear, under the law.
Cheryl Tweedy’s Role—and Limitations
Despite being the mother of Liam’s child and a key figure in his life, Cheryl Tweedy (also known as Cheryl Cole) is not entitled to inherit any portion of the estate under UK intestacy law. However, she has been appointed—alongside a music industry lawyer—as one of the estate’s administrators. Their role is to manage Liam’s estate until Bear turns 18 and inherits the assets.
This situation highlights a crucial issue: without a Will, partners, close friends, and other loved ones receive nothing unless they are legally married or direct heirs. And minors inheriting large estates raises its own set of challenges.
What If This Happened in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the outcome would be quite similar. Under New Jersey’s intestacy laws, if someone dies without a Will and is unmarried, their estate goes to their children. Unmarried partners, regardless of how close their relationship was, would not inherit anything by default.
If the child is a minor, additional complications arise. In most cases, the inheritance would be placed in the Surrogate’s Intermingled Trust Fund (SITF). The surviving parent would then need to file formal applications with the Court to request distributions, a process that can be time-consuming and burdensome. Moreover, the entire fund is typically released when the child turns 18, regardless of whether they have the maturity or financial acumen to manage a large inheritance.
Tax Implications in New Jersey
While New Jersey no longer has an estate tax, it does impose an inheritance tax depending on the relationship between the deceased and the heir. Fortunately, children are exempt. But for blended families or unmarried partners, the lack of a Will can result in unintended tax burdens and administrative difficulties.
The Takeaway: Estate Planning Is Essential
Had Liam Payne created a Will or Trust, he could have:
- Directed a portion of his estate to Cheryl
- Appointed guardians or trustees to manage Bear’s inheritance
- Delayed distributions until Bear reached a more appropriate age
- Reduced administrative red tape and uncertainty
Life is unpredictable, and none of us knows what tomorrow holds. That’s why having even a basic estate plan—a Will, Power of Attorney, and possibly a Trust—is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones.
If you don’t have a Will or want to ensure your estate plan reflects your current wishes and family structure, the Elder Law attorneys at Mandelbaum Barrett PC are here to help.
Let Liam’s story serve as a reminder: It’s never too early to plan.