Cheryl Cole has officially been named co-administrator of her ex-partner Liam Payne’s estate, following his sudden and tragic death last autumn.
Liam, best known as a former member of One Direction, passed away unexpectedly after a fall from a balcony. It was later revealed that he died without leaving a will, prompting legal steps to settle his estate.
According to Rolling Stone, Cheryl—who shares six-year-old son Bear with Liam—has been appointed as one of the estate’s administrators. Legal documents obtained by the outlet confirm that the singer’s estate is valued at roughly $38 million before debts, with a net worth of approximately $32 million.
Alongside Cheryl, attorney Richard Mark Bray has also been named as a co-administrator, a common move to ensure the estate is handled both personally and professionally.
Under English and Welsh intestacy laws, when someone dies without a will, their estate typically passes first to their spouse, and then to their children. As Liam was not married at the time of his death, and Bear is still a minor, Cheryl has effectively stepped in to manage his interests.
As The Guardian noted, the estate could also be placed in a trust for Bear to access when he comes of age—something that’s often done in cases involving young beneficiaries.
Cheryl and Liam began dating in 2016 and welcomed Bear the following year. Though they split in 2018, they’ve remained connected as co-parents. Cheryl has generally kept her family life private, but after Liam’s death, she took to social media to share a deeply personal tribute.
In the emotional message, she said: “I am struggling to find the words to express how I feel about this devastating news. Liam was a huge part of my life and always will be. He was a kind, funny, and deeply talented person, and I will remember him with so much love. My heart breaks for our son, Bear, who has lost his father far too soon. My focus now is on making sure Bear feels safe, loved, and supported.”
She later attended Liam’s funeral in the UK in November, joining friends, family, and fans in mourning the singer’s passing.
While the loss of Liam has undoubtedly shaken his loved ones and the wider music community, the appointment of Cheryl as co-administrator helps ensure that Bear’s future is protected and that the estate is managed with his best interests in mind.
Though this next chapter involves a lot of legal work behind the scenes, it also speaks to Cheryl’s continued commitment as a parent and her enduring connection to the man she once called a partner.
