184: From One Direction to No Direction: What Liam Payne's Estate Teaches Us About Planning

Absolute Trust Talk

In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe examines the estate complications following One Direction member Liam Payne's tragic death in Argentina in fall 2024. At just 30 years old, Payne left behind a $32 million estate—but no will. His complex assets include performance income, solo artist earnings, brand deals, music publishing rights, and venture investments. Without estate planning, his 8-year-old son Bear becomes the sole intestate heir, inheriting the full amount at age 18. Kirsten analyzes the cascading problems: massive probate fees (at least $376,000 in California), no designated asset management for the minor child, potential displacement of Payne's live-in girlfriend, substantial estate taxes on $18 million (a 40% rate), and no provisions for parents or siblings. This case illustrates how even young, successful individuals require comprehensive estate planning to safeguard their loved ones and preserve their wealth. The key lesson: don't die intestate—unexpected death can happen at any age, making proper planning essential for anyone with assets and people they care about.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

0:57 Listen as we discuss the untimely passing of Liam Payne and his $32 million estate with complex assets and no will

2:16 While Liam is a citizen of the UK, we’re going to analyze his case as if it were under California law, and why probate is problematic for large estates

3:19 The massive cost of probate: $376,000+ in statutory fees alone for complex assets such as those like Liam’s

4:33 Estate Planning Lesson #1: No chosen asset management for minor child - court appoints ex-girlfriend and music lawyer

5:52 Estate Planning Lesson #2: 18-year-old inheritance age - few parents think this is appropriate for $32 million

6:35 Estate Planning Lesson #3: No provisions for other family members - parents, siblings get nothing

7:24 Estate Planning Lesson #4: Live-in girlfriend faces potential eviction with no inheritance rights

8:16 Estate Planning Lesson #5: Massive estate tax liability - 40% on $18 million could have been minimized

9:16 Key takeaway: Estate planning is essential at any age when you have assets and loved ones