“Cheryl to Block Bear from £24M Inheritance Until 25 — ‘She’s Aware People May Befriend Him Because of His Situation’”

Liam Payne’s £24m Fortune to Be Withheld from Son Bear Until He Turns 25, Cheryl Tweedy Says

Cheryl Tweedy is reportedly taking steps to delay her son Bear’s access to his late father Liam Payne’s multimillion-pound inheritance until he is at least 25 years old, amid growing concern over protecting him from external influences.

According to court filings and sources close to the family, Tweedy – who shares eight-year-old Bear with the late One Direction star – has been appointed as one of the administrators of Payne’s estate. Payne, who died in October 2024 at the age of 31, left behind an estate valued at £24,280,000 after expenses were settled.

Under UK intestacy laws, which apply when someone dies without a will, Payne’s assets were to be transferred to his next of kin – in this case, Bear. However, Tweedy is determined to ensure her son doesn’t receive the full inheritance until he is old enough to make mature financial decisions.

“Cheryl wants to protect Bear and is going to stop him receiving Liam’s inheritance until he’s at least 25 years old, if not older,” a source close to the singer reportedly told The Sun.

“She feels she wants Bear to be of an age where he can make informed decisions about the money. There are lots of conversations ongoing and Cheryl may even allow the money to be given only in chunks throughout his late 20s and 30s.”

Tweedy is said to be especially mindful of the impact sudden wealth can have on a young person’s development and the risk of opportunistic relationships.

“She wants him to still have ambition and the drive to succeed without the back-up of the money — and she’s aware that people may want to befriend him because they are aware of his situation,” the source added.

It is understood that the funds will be held in trust and invested under the guidance of estate trustees until Bear reaches the age Tweedy deems appropriate.

“Cheryl has spoken to the trustees and the money will be invested until Bear is of the right age to start receiving some of it,” the source said.

Tweedy and Payne first met during the 2008 season of The X Factor, where Payne, then just 14, auditioned as a solo act. Years later, in 2016, the two began a relationship, and their son Bear was born in 2017. Though they separated the following year, they remained on good terms as co-parents.

Payne’s sudden death last year — reportedly caused by a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires — shocked fans around the world. He had been in a relationship with influencer Kate Cassidy at the time.

Alongside Tweedy, music industry lawyer Richard Bray was named as a co-administrator of the estate. Tweedy’s careful oversight of the funds has been seen by many as a move to ensure Bear’s long-term wellbeing — both emotionally and financially — as he navigates life without his father.