Legal experts suggest that Liam Payne’s girlfriend could be entitled to a portion of his multi-million pound fortune if she decides to make a claim in court.
Kate Cassidy, who had been in a relationship with the One Direction star for approximately two years before his death last October, may be able to pursue a share of his £24 million fortune, based on their future plans and living arrangements.
The social media influencer could seek “reasonable financial provision” under the UK’s Inheritance Act, claiming financial dependence on Payne.
The New Jersey-born model, 26, was reportedly receiving a £20,000-per-month allowance from Liam while they lived together in Florida.
The couple had been discussing marriage, with several pieces of ‘evidence’ suggesting this, which could strengthen any potential claim on Liam’s estate, despite not being engaged at the time.
This week, the Mail reported that Liam left behind a substantial amount of money and other assets following his tragic fall from a balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16 last year—yet no will.
Court documents show that Liam’s estate was valued at £28,594,888 at the time of his death. After accounting for fees and debts, the remaining amount was £24,279,728.
Under intestacy laws, the fortune will be passed on to Liam’s eight-year-old son, Bear, and placed in a trust until he reaches adulthood.
Under the Inheritance Act, individuals who can demonstrate financial dependence on a deceased person may be entitled to a portion of their estate.
As it stands, Liam’s entire fortune will be inherited by his eight-year-old son, Bear (pictured as a baby with Liam).
Liam Payne left behind a staggering fortune after passing away without a will.
The fortune is currently being safeguarded by the youngster’s mother, Girls Aloud star Cheryl Tweedy, and music lawyer Richard Bray, who were appointed short-term administrators of Liam’s estate by the courts.
However, in theory, Kate could challenge this arrangement under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
This law allows individuals to apply for financial provision if they were being “immediately…maintained, either wholly or partly” by someone who has passed away.
However, Kate would need to act within six months of a Grant of Letters of Administration being issued, which formally confirms who will control the estate in the long term.
Kathryn Tunbridge, a solicitor with Kent-based firm Furley Page, stated that Kate could, in theory, file a claim under this provision.
She explained: “As an unmarried partner, Kate has no automatic right to inherit anything, regardless of how long they were together or whether he financially supported her.”
“Under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, someone financially dependent on the deceased at the time of death may be able to claim ‘reasonable financial provision’ from the estate.”
“However, pursuing such a claim requires substantial evidence and is often both emotionally and financially taxing.”
Kate has not refuted reports that she received money from Liam monthly and had access to his credit card, implying that her lifestyle was supported by the 31-year-old before his death.
Liam had written a note to Kate expressing his intention to marry her within a year, which reports suggest could strengthen any challenge she may make to his fortune.
The pair lived together in a house in South Florida, which Kate left after his death, relocating to London.
Kate Cassidy shares an unseen video of herself and Liam Payne.
Liam’s friend, Rogelio ‘Roger’ Nores, claims that Liam asked him to be his best man at his wedding just days before he passed away.Liam had a son, Bear, with Cheryl Tweedy (the pair pictured above in 2018). Cheryl is unlikely to receive any portion of his fortune.
She previously said: “When people come and point a finger at me saying you took an allowance, at the end of the day, it’s nobody’s business.
“I couldn’t possibly have a nine-to-five job, and I never asked him for money.”
However, any claim she might make would be subject to further legal tests in court to prove her entitlement.
Three pieces of evidence suggesting that Liam and Kate were planning to marry could strengthen any potential challenge to his fortune.
These include a note Liam wrote, stating: “Me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged and 2gether 4ever 444″—with “444” being an “angel number” that spiritualists believe symbolizes divine support and reassurance.
Rogelio ‘Roger’ Nores, a friend of Liam’s who was, until recently, alleged by Argentine prosecutors to have contributed to his death, claims that Liam had asked him to be his best man at his eventual wedding to Kate.
Additionally, Kate herself stated that she and Liam had been discussing their future together, including “marriage (and) kids down the line.”
These three pieces of “evidence”—the note, Roger’s statement, and Kate’s own testimony—could be used in court to argue that Kate is entitled to a share of Liam’s fortune.
However, Ms. Tunbridge of Furley Page noted regarding Liam’s love note: “Unfortunately, such a note carries no legal standing in the eyes of the law.”
She added: “Liam Payne’s death is a tragedy. But it also serves as a powerful reminder of how important it is to plan ahead—particularly for unmarried couples. Without a will, even deeply held intentions can go unfulfilled, and those closest to you may be left with nothing.”
Friends of Kate Cassidy have insisted that she is content not to seek a share of Liam’s fortune (pictured: Liam and Kate in February 2023).
Liam’s entire fortune will go to Bear when he reaches adulthood (pictured: Liam with Bear as a baby).
