Judge Denies Katherine Jackson Control Of Her Son’s Estate
Posted by Media Outrage on July 6, 2009
Today a Judge denied Katherine Jackson control over MJ’s estate and instead handed it over to his attorney and longtime friend. SMH.
Via AP:
LOS ANGELES – A judge said Monday that Michael Jackson’s longtime attorney and a family friend should take over the pop singer’s estate for now, rejecting a request from Jackson’s mother to be put in charge.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff backed attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain, who had been designated in Jackson’s 2002 will as the people he wanted to administer his estate. Attorneys for the pop singer’s mother repeatedly objected to their appointment at Monday’s court hearing.
Jackson died June 25, deeply in debt. But a court filing estimates that his estate will be worth more than $500 million. His assets are destined for a private trust.
The singer’s mother, Katherine Jackson, had applied to oversee her son’s estate, but that was before the will surfaced. Her attorney, Burt Levitch, expressed concerns about McClain and Branca’s financial leadership.
Levitch told Beckloff that Branca had previously been removed from financial positions of authority by Jackson. Branca’s attorney says he was rehired by Jackson on June 17, days before Jackson’s death.
Katherine Jackson did not appear at Monday’s hearing. Branca did attend.
Levitch said it was unclear whether McClain would serve as an administrator because he was of ailing health. Attorneys for McClain and Branca described him as having a physical disability but having a completely sound mind. They also noted a decades-long relationship with the Jackson family.
Branca and McClain will have to post a $1 million bond on the estate, Beckloff ruled. Their authority over the estate will expire Aug. 3, when another hearing on the estate will be held.
“Mr. Branca and Mr. McClain for the next month are at the helm of the ship,” Beckloff said.
Katherine Jackson’s attorneys had asked that she be appointed to serve as a co-administrator with Branca and McClain. Beckloff refused to grant that request.
The judge granted Branca and McClain several powers over the estate, including the rights to negotiate a settlement with concert promoter AEG Live over refunds for Jackson’s canceled London shows. Beckloff stressed that Katherine Jackson should be given complete information about major transactions, but that he as the judge would grant final approval.
John E. Schreiber, an attorney for Katherine Jackson, said, “Frankly, Mrs. Jackson has concerns about handing over the keys to the kingdom.”
Paul Gordon Hoffman, an attorney for Branca and McClain, said some of Katherine Jackson’s concerns were unfounded.
“We’re not aware of any real conflicts at all,” he said in response to a claim that the men may have business dealings with parties such as concert promoter AEG Live.
In contrast, Hoffman said Jackson’s mother had more of a potential conflict administering the estate because she is a likely beneficiary.
“If there are any conflicts by the parties, Katherine Jackson rather than Mr. McClain and Mr. Branca have them,” Hoffman said.
Beckloff noted the contentious relationship brewing between Katherine Jackson and Branca, who personally delivered the will to the family’s home a week ago.
“We’re getting off to a bit of a rocky start here out of the gate,” Beckloff said toward the end of Monday’s hearing.
A public memorial has been scheduled for Jackson in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday. More than 1.6 million people registered to win the coveted free tickets, and only 8,750 names were chosen.
Los Angeles officials are concerned about other fans clogging city streets
Downtown hotels were quickly filling Monday, and police warned those without tickets to the memorial to stay away.
Mediaoutrage- So the judge basically said screw Michael’s wishes. This is turning out to be a mess.
lowridaz said
that is a mother fucking shame!!!! them bloodsucking whiteys wanted that, they wanted control, so they can stick their pockets with money, dirty slimy bastards, michael shouldnt of put not one fucking name down on any will that wasnt his people,
lowridaz said
that is alright, for all those snake fuckers, and slimy bastards, watch what you do, because we may not cant see you, but god has his eye right on you, and know your next move before you do, and you will be punished! it may not be now, but it will happen
Dickwell Thrust said
Damn…I know whats on the menu tonight for John Branca and music executive John McClain…..
14 Hookers
2-4 truckloads of the finest wine
400 Armani suits
4 kilos of the finest COCAINE for that coffee table….
And that’s only for the beginning of the week…
MissTX85 said
Damn that’s fucked up! It most definitely sounds like they’re saying “Fuck what Michael wants, let’s do it our way!!”
I hope they at least me thoughtful of his kids. But I have a feeling that they’ll screw them over too.
I could just kick that judge’s ass.
Yeah I Said It said
It truly might be the best thing for his estate. The way the Jacksons run through money! Jermain and family lives with his mother,cause he is broke. I hear Marlon has a real job cause he is broke. Latonya lives at home also cause she is broke. janet is the only one with money. There was a reason Michael left somebody else in charge of his estate. His mother will be taken care of,but I am with the judge on this….
Yeah I Said It said
P.S Don’t want that snake Joseph sliding back in to the home front to finance his record label with Michaels money
lowridaz said
yea, your right, there is a reason he left it with someone else, becasue i cannot see for the life of me, unless its some bad blood, going on with family, if it wasnt, there is no way i wouldnt leave my family set, but like you said, it had to be a reason, hmmm i like to know what was the reason my baby did that, but then again, them slimy ass pigs arent to be trusted either, they grin until mike died, im sure they tongues hanging out like lizard tongues, just cant trust anyone,
lowridaz said
time will tell, i hope mike knew what he was doing!! oh im puttin on my ninja suit, and gear up and creep on a motherfucka!!!!
Yvonne said
I figured that especially when I found out the lawyers had MJ’s will and were going to file it with the courts.
It probably is the best thing, at least Joe Jackson won’t be able to run through MJ’s assets.
ucanb2 said
Of course already… they don’t really don’t give a damn about Michael!!
All is visible are $$$$, I really think his Mom had the kids best interest at heart.
Why would a business-man have your kids/moms best interest at heart.
I doubt it, but remember you reap what you sow!
ROOT said
As the personal history of some has shown, money management skills are not their strong points.
Just as their was a run on James Brown’s, Elvis’ estates, survivors, listed heirs, like professional athelete’s and actors need to invest the time to learn how to best manage, invest, protect, maintain, and sustain their money during their lifetimes.
That’s just one of the lessons in this case like so many others that need to be made.
There are smarter ways to manage $.
Like all the most important things in life, EARLY INTERVENTION, Knowledge, and Discipline is necessary.
None of it is a secret.
RV’er Once On Tamarack