HE is set to inherit his late father Liam Payne’s £21 million fortune, but Bear, the nine year old son of the One Direction star, may not gain full access until he is at least 25.
His mother, Cheryl Tweedy, is reportedly determined to protect the inheritance and delay full control until Bear is old enough to make informed financial decisions.
Cheryl steps in to protect Bear’s future
Cheryl, who has been named an administrator of Liam’s estate, wants to ensure her son is not given unrestricted access to the vast fortune at a young age. Instead, parts of the estate can be used immediately for his care and wellbeing, while the majority would remain protected until later in life.
The estate includes Liam Payne’s former five bedroom home in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, which he bought in 2021 for £3.25 million to be closer to his son following his split from Cheryl.
A close source said protecting Bear has always been her top priority.
“Protecting Bear is Cheryl’s priority in life. She is a devoted mother and will do everything she can to take care of him,” the friend said.
The source added that Cheryl believes inheriting such a large sum too early could be overwhelming and potentially harmful, and she reportedly wants to delay full access until at least age 25 or even later.
Liam Payne’s estate and legal situation
Liam Payne died suddenly in October 2024 without leaving a will. Recent High Court probate documents confirmed that Bear is the sole beneficiary of his estate.
Cheryl and Liam first met when he auditioned for The X Factor in 2008, where she was a judge. They later began dating in 2016 and welcomed Bear in 2017 before separating in 2018, while continuing to co parent.
In statements after their split, Liam emphasized that Bear remained their shared priority and asked for privacy as a family. Over the years, he also publicly praised Cheryl for her dedication as a mother.
A plan focused on a normal childhood
Friends say Cheryl has worked consistently to shield Bear from public attention, keeping him out of the spotlight and avoiding sharing his face on social media.
She also reportedly believes that maintaining a normal upbringing is essential, especially given the level of wealth involved. According to sources, she is concerned that early access to money could attract unwanted attention and pressure.
“She wants him to still have ambition and drive without relying on the money,” one insider said. “Not everyone has good intentions, and she is aware of that.”
Cheryl has continued to prioritize private family life, including recent trips such as a holiday to Orlando, Florida, which she chose not to document in real time on social media.
Liam Payne’s death and lasting impact
Liam’s passing at age 31 in October 2024 deeply affected those close to him and further strengthened Cheryl’s determination to protect their son’s future.
He died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. An autopsy later confirmed multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding as the cause of death. His funeral was held in Buckinghamshire and attended by close family and friends, including former Girls Aloud members and longtime friend Simon Cowell.
Focus remains on Bear’s future
Those close to Cheryl say her goal is to ensure Bear grows up with stability, privacy, and guidance, with structured access to his inheritance only when he is mature enough to manage it responsibly.
As one friend put it, the intention is simple: to give Bear as normal a childhood as possible while protecting him from the pressures that can come with fame and significant wealth.