Posted: Friday, 9 May 2025 @ 10:58
The recent publicity surrounding the death of Liam Payne has
prompted many to reflect on life’s fragility— and how unprepared we often are
for the unexpected. While the headlines focus on a high-profile loss, there’s a
powerful lesson here for many families, especially those who are unmarried with
young children: the urgent importance of having a valid will.
In the UK, the law is clear—but not always kind—when it
comes to inheritance and guardianship. If you are not married and you die
without a will, the people you love the most may have no legal protection, and
your estate may not be distributed as you intended.
Why a Will is Crucial for Unmarried Parents in the UK
1. Appointing a Guardian for Your Children
If you have children under 18, making a will allows you to
legally name a guardian who would take over your parental responsibilities if
you were to die. Without this, the decision is left to the family courts. Even
if you assume the other parent would automatically take over, this isn’t always
guaranteed—especially if parental responsibility is not legally shared, or if there
are concerns about the surviving parent’s ability to care for the children.
2. Appointing the people that you want to deal with your
estate as opposed to leaving it to the law to make that decision.
Because Liam died without a will the law in the UK states
that the person with parental responsibility for his child is the person who is
able to apply to the courts to deal with his estate. Whilst under UK law there
is a necessity for two people to be appointed to manage the estate on behalf of
minor children it is up to the person with parental responsibility that is left
to appoint somebody to act with themselves. Whilst we are aware that his former
partner Cheryl Tweedy has appointed somebody to act with herself on behalf of
their son, Bear, this may not have been the person that Liam would have wanted
to manage his estate. Therefore, the only way he could have ensured that the
people he wanted to manage his estate were put into that trusted position was
to make a will.
3. Protecting Your Partner—Unmarried Means Unrecognised
by Law
Under UK intestacy rules, unmarried partners have no legal
right to inherit from each other—even if you’ve lived together for decades or
have children together. Without a will, your partner could be left with
nothing, while your estate passes to your children, parents, or other
relatives. This could put them at risk of financial hardship or even
homelessness.
4. Setting Up a Trust for Your Children
Without a will, your children would inherit under intestacy
rules at age 18. Many parents feel this is too young to handle a large
inheritance. By writing a Will, you can create a trust and appoint trustees to
manage your estate until your children are older or more financially mature.
You can also control how the money is used—for example, to support their education
or well-being.
5. Avoiding Family Disputes and Court Delays
Bereavement is hard enough without the added stress of legal
uncertainty. A well-drafted Will provides clarity, minimises family conflict,
and ensures your wishes are carried out quickly and efficiently—rather than
leaving loved ones entangled in emotional and financial battles.
6. Reducing Inheritance Tax Liability
A will can also help with estate planning, potentially
reducing inheritance tax liabilities through careful structuring, including use
of nil-rate bands, gifts, or charitable legacies.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re unmarried and have children, making a will is not
just a wise step—it’s a critical one. Here’s how to get started:
- Speak to a wills and trusts specialist
- Keep your will updated – especially if your
relationship status changes, you have more children, or your financial
situation shifts.
-
Store your will safely – and let your loved ones
know where to find it.
Final Thought
No one likes to think about death—but doing nothing can
leave your partner and children vulnerable. A will gives you peace of mind that
those you love will be cared for, protected, and provided for, no matter what.
Let Liam Payne’s story be a reminder: don’t delay. Make your
will today.
Sue Ioannou
Head of Training
8th May 2025