Liam died without leaving a will and those close to Cheryl said his huge legacy could be halved with inheritance tax

LIAM Payne’s young son Bear is likely to be blocked by mum Cheryl Tweedy from getting any of his multimillion-pound inheritance until he is aged at least 25.

Those close to Cheryl say she wants to protect him.

Cheryl at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards.
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Cheryl will likely block Liam Payne’s young son Bear from getting any of his multimillion-pound inheritance until he is aged at least 25Credit: Rex

Black and white photo of Liam Payne and his son Bear in bed.
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Cheryl welcomed Bear, eight, with One Direction star Liam in 2017

Cheryl and Liam Payne at an awards ceremony.
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Superstar Liam died without leaving a willCredit: PA:Press Association
Cheryl, 41, who welcomed Bear, eight, with One Direction star Liam in 2017, has sought advice from the trustees of Liam’s estate and wants to put the money aside until the lad is older.

Liam died aged 31 in October after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

A source close to the former Girls Aloud singer said: “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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

Liam died without leaving a will and those close to Cheryl also said his huge legacy could be halved with inheritance tax.

They added yesterday: “Liam may have left £24million but after the Government has taken the relevant tax, there will be around £12million left.

“This is still an incredible amount of money and Cheryl wants to do everything she can to protect Bear and make sure the money comes to him when the time is right.”

Court documents this week showed Liam had a £28,595,000 fortune.

After expenses and debts were paid, the figure was reduced to £24,280,000.

A court has given Cheryl power of administration of his estate. Also named as administrator is music lawyer Richard Bray, partner in a London legal firm.

Liam and Cheryl revealed they were to become parents for the first time after dating for a year.

Although they later split, the pair remained close for the sake of their son.

Liam said at the time: “We still have so much love for each other as a family. Bear is our world.”

Liam Payne and his son Bear walking hand-in-hand.
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Despite splitting, Liam and Cheryl remained close for the sake of their son