Liam Payne is reportedly calling in divorce lawyers to protect his £54 million fortune as it's claimed Cheryl want to split from him within 'weeks.'
The pair are said to have been 'going through a rough patch' following the birth of their son Bear almost a year ago; and speculation's now rife they're set to call it a day immediately with Liam reportedly keen to secure access to their child.
Speaking to The Sun, a source close to Liam explained he's sought legal advice to ensure their shared assets are split fairly and his fortune - £54 million compared to Cheryl's £20 million - is safe. They said: "Liam has sought some legal advice but he still wants to make it work. It's sensible to be prepared for all options.
"With a young son and a number of assets between them there is more to breaking up than just parting ways. He hopes it doesn't come to it but he's just being careful."
Another source claimed: "Hopefully they can emerge intact as a couple.
"But there’s no denying it – things are pretty rough at the moment between them.
"Everyone hopes they can sort things out but, at the same time, it may be too large an obstacle."
Cheryl's friends, however, reckon it's 'business as usual' with her 'main focus' being the opening of Cheryl's Trust Centre for young people in Newcastle on Tuesday.
The couple did spend Valentine's Day together last week, though; with Liam uploading a picture of his son to Intagram with the caption 'Happy Valentine's Day @cherylofficial and everyone. looks like I've got the big guy to compete with now.'
With Cheryl and Liam last seen in public together in October 2017, one insider has claimed: "Things haven’t been right since Christmas, they’ve been bickering a lot.
"It’s make or break for them at the moment, they really need to be together if it is going to work."