Too Young to Make a Will? Think Again.

When Liam Payne passed away suddenly at just 31, it shocked fans around the world. A young dad, hugely successful music career with the band One Direction, and seemingly everything ahead of him. But as we recently learned in press reports, Liam died without a Will.

No instructions. No written wishes. No guidance about what he wanted to happen to his £24 million estate – or to the people he loved most. And while few of us have a pop star’s fortune, there’s a powerful lesson we can all take from his story – no matter our age or how much we think we have (or don’t have): Without a Will, the people you leave behind are left to pick up the pieces, often with added stress and uncertainty.

What Happens When You Don’t Make a Will?

In the UK, the law decides what happens to your estate if you die without a Will (called dying intestate). And the rules don’t take your personal wishes into account.

In Liam’s case, he never married, but he and his ex-partner, Cheryl, shared a son, Bear. Since there was no Will, Bear is likely to inherit the estate in time – but in the meantime, Cheryl and a lawyer are left to handle everything as administrators. That gives them limited powers to manage the estate, but they can’t distribute any of it.

That means frozen assets, legal processes, and added pressure on loved ones – at a time when they’re already grieving.

And perhaps most poignantly, we’ll never know what Liam would have wanted. A message for his son? A gift to family or friends? A donation to charity? It’s all guesswork now.

“I Don’t Need a Will Yet” – Think Again

Too many people think Wills are something to sort out later. But the truth is, later can come much sooner than expected. And they aren’t just for retirees or the ultra-wealthy. They matter if you:

• Have children, especially if they’re under 18
• Own property, a business, or have savings or investments
• Live with a partner but aren’t married
• Want certain people to receive something (or not)
• Care about causes you’d like to support after you’re gone
• Simply want to ease the pressure on your loved ones if something happens

A Will gives you a voice, even when you’re not here to speak.

More Than Paperwork – It’s Peace of Mind

At Chesterton House, we often talk about getting your entire financial house in order. A Will is one part of that, sitting alongside everyday money management and long-term planning.

It’s easy to put these things off. No one enjoys thinking about what happens when we’re gone. But making a Will is an act of love. A quiet way of saying: “I’ve thought about you. I’ve taken care of it.”

It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. And you don’t have to have a £24 million estate for it to matter. You just need the intention to protect what matters – and a plan to back it up.

Need help getting started?

We’re here to help you build a plan that’s right for you – one that reflects your values and protects the people you care about. If you’d like to talk about how a Will fits into your wider financial plan, just get in touch.