Judge denies Michael Jackson's mother's request to remain in control of his estate [Updated]
Judge Mitchell Beckloff this morning denied Katherine Jackson's request to remain in temporary control of her son's estate.
The Los Angeles Superior Court judge appointed two longtime advisors of Michael Jackson -- an entertainment attorney and a music executive named in a 2002 will -- as temporary administrators pending an August hearing.
An attorney for Katherine Jackson said the pop star's mother was not contesting the validity of the 2002 will, but was "concerned" that the men named as executors, lawyer John Branca and music executive John McClain, might not be "the proper people." "Her concern is about handing over the keys to the kingdom this quickly to this group," said lawyer John E. Schreiber.
But a lawyer for the executors noted that McClain had known Jackson's mother for 40 years and Branca for 30. "She is well aware of who these people are," said lawyer Paul Gordon Hoffman.
[Updated at 10:20 a.m. Attorneys said they met for four hours over the weekend but were unable to reach a compromise. Beckloff said it appeared clear from the will that Jackson was comfortable with Branca and McClain acting as executors of the estate.
Beckloff set a $1-million bond for the estate, saying, "We can't even begin to have a number on what this estate is worth."]
--Harriet Ryan and Victoria Kim
Why did he decide to put his entire state in the hands of his attorneys’ and not to his family since he is closed to them and transfer to his kids when they are old enough? Why is Branca was re hire just a week or so before his death? Puzzling to me.
Posted by: Lin | July 06, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Michael wasn´t even buried yet - what about to let him rest in peace, before to start the fight for the estate?
Posted by: Elaine Jordão | July 06, 2009 at 11:15 AM
"bring lawyers guns and money, forget about the rest"
warren zevon
Posted by: stewart | July 06, 2009 at 11:24 AM
The will says that everything is to go into the Trust. The executor's job is to follow the will and put everything into the Trust. The real question is who is the trustee of the Trust. He could be still another party. The trustee will control the estate once the assets are passed to the trust, not the executors.
Posted by: bkl | July 06, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Where there's a will....there's a relative!
Posted by: JamesJ | July 06, 2009 at 11:57 AM
People have a short memory. The Jackson family filed for a $24,000,000.00 BANKRUPTCY not that long ago.
I would NOT trust Joe Jackson with my last nickel.
The Judge is correct.
Posted by: Reuben Camara | July 06, 2009 at 12:18 PM
As long as Kate is legally married to Joe - there's absolutely NO WAY any court would give her control of MJ's estate. NO WAY. All one has to do is "look" at Joe Jackson, and listen to what he says. I wouldn't let him close enough to touch 1 penny of anyone's money!
That was her first mistake (staying married to Joe)
Posted by: Cali2 | July 06, 2009 at 12:24 PM
News flash. Michael Jackson was an adult. You may or may not think him sane, but at law he was competent.
If he named Jabba the Hutt to control his money, he'd be within his rights. The only questions are, what did he want, and how can we implement it?
Not whether we think it wise. We can and should control our own money as we think "wise." This was his money, get it?
Posted by: Susan | July 06, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Mike wanted to make sure as do the Atty`s in this matter; that the children be not over looked.
When they turn 18 they will not hear any B.S. like the money is gone you`ll have to fend or yourselves!
Posted by: CURT | July 06, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Michael's parents pissed away all of the money that Michael and his brother's made when they were the Jackson 5. And Michael's parents had to file for bankruptcy until Michael bailed them out. Michael probably knew that his mom would be the best one to love his children....but not the best one to manage his children's finances. Michael probably knew that his mom would let Joe Jackson and the rest of the Jackson brothers spend up all ot Michael's money before Michael's children even got old enough to claim it. So I think Michael was looking out for his kids future when he decided not to let his parents handle his money. They couldn't handle their own money, why should Michael let his parents mess up Micheal's children's money. Michael had to make sure that it would be kept safe and be kept around, for his children's future.
Posted by: Dee | July 06, 2009 at 01:00 PM
There have been rumors that Michael's children were those of his attorney but not confirmed.
This would be a disaster.
Posted by: BruceOne | July 06, 2009 at 01:15 PM
Death comes a'knocking at the most inopportune times. Michael knew as we all do that life is most temporary and surprising. It is a shame that Michael was so abused in his early life that he turned to those other than his family to usher his estate. I pray that God now gives him the peace that he so yearned for in life.
Posted by: pcfriz | July 06, 2009 at 01:21 PM
Dear Jackson family, friends and fans all over the world. This is such a sad end of a story that should have ended in a better way that just focusing on the negative instead of the positive things that Michael has given back to so many his music; the positive impact that the has had on children and adults a like and all I have heard is so much incidious; vicious; erronious garbage about him and his family. We needed more people like him and now you the media and people that didn't understand that there are people that are different from us that is what makes who we are and what we become by positive things and give back and teach others and be there and that was the person that he was. Why aren't people focusing on that and bringing up the huge impact that the has done and his legacy isn't just his music, his moves and how much money that he made it is the fact that he had heart and didn't look past the press and I feel because of this it killed him and I want to say that I am outraged at so many out there that didn't know him or want to associate with him because he was different. I will never forget the positive things that he has done with his life and wether some people know it or not but he will not go away he will love on forever!! He may be gone but NEVER will be Forgotten!! He has impacted my life in such a way that he gave me hope that coming from my upbringing; he made me feel that I can do anything if you put your heart and soul into it.. he got me through some trials and tribulations in my life and I want to thank you for that Michael your legacy will live through your children; family and friends and someone like me that you didn't know but I have taken what you have talked about and have done with your life made me stronger in my life to go on strive for the best no matter what... We lost an angel here on earth but he is at peace now and will know that he will be with us in spirit... God bless you, your children, family and friends... RIP
Posted by: Carol Berry | July 06, 2009 at 02:32 PM
My mom Katherine Jackson is a survivor which is no surprise to me Shes always been like a lighthouse that helps you cross a stormy sea. But I walk with my mom each day to lift her when she's down. I wipe the tears she hides from others She cries when no one's around. I watch her sits up late at night with my picture in her hand She cries as she tries to
grieve alone, and wishes she could understand. My
mom is like a tower of strength Shes the greatest
of them all! But theres times when she needs to cry
Please be there when she falls. Hold her hand or pat her
shoulder and tell her its okay. Be her strength when
shes sad Help her mourn in her own way. Now as I watch
over my precious mom, my children, my sisters, brothers and friends from the Heavens up above Im so proud that my mom a survivor andI can still feel her love.
Carol Berry
Copyright ©2009 Carol Berry
Posted by: Carol Berry | July 06, 2009 at 02:59 PM
There's an executor, and then there's trustees. As I understand it, heirs can't be executors of a will in which they are named beneficiaries, and beneficiaries of a trust can't be named trustees of their own trusts. So there has to be someone other than Katherine. My understanding was that there were originallly 3 trustees, but one withdrew. I don't know if the judge could do it legally, but it seems a good compromise would be to have the judge name a third trustee, of Katherine's choosing, to give her some reassurance that everything was on the up and up. I also think it would be good for the family if they could name a non-lawyer mediator to help with this, and the custody issue. (I'd do it for free for them, except I'm in NC)
Posted by: CertifiedMediation | July 06, 2009 at 03:28 PM
Michael Jackson did the right thing. His attorney is a smart man who has worked with many of the top acts in the world. The Jackson family have declared bankruptcy and, for goodness sake, have done nothing in years. Look what Priscilla Presley did for her daughter, with the help of business men and lawyers like Brana. Lisa Marie is now worth $100 million. Imagine what MJ estate will be worth taking it away from his family. Good move, Judge!
Posted by: Julie Vista | July 06, 2009 at 11:27 PM
Michael Jackson is MR. and MRS
Jackson child, and he's the other kids brother and so on. Mrs Jackson is the one who I know stayed on her knees prying for her sons and worryed sick about them when they would be out on the road. It was Mrs jackson who gave birth to all nine of he kids. So there for it should be her that have her son money. The Jackson could care less about some dam money at this time all they care about is Michael if they could give every dime of his money to god to have him back they would do it. Dam is money I speaks for them all. Only people out side of the family who dont care about Michael care about his money not the famile they want their child back now thats love.
Posted by: Otisann | July 10, 2009 at 04:53 PM