Michael Jackson Documentary Tangled in Lawsuit

The executors in charge of the Michael Jackson estate will be investigated in a documentary, “Follow the Money,” being produced by Edward Bass, who is already in a legal battle with them.

Bass — whose credits include 2006’s “Bobby,” which was nominated for a Golden Globe Best Picture and starred Anthony Hopkins, Joy Bryant and Shia LaBeouf — sued lawyer John Branca and music exec John McClain after they obtained a “cease and desist” court order preventing Bass from releasing, “Michael: The Last Photo Shoots.”

The documentary includes video footage shot by Jackson’s friend, Hassan Mohammed, of two 2007 magazine shoots — one by Bruce Weber, the other by Matthew Rolston.

Bass bought the video from Mohammed, but the estate’s lawyer Howard Weitzman claims the estate owns the footage, which includes “private moments that [Jackson] never agreed could be publicly and commercially exploited.”

Full Article and Source:
Jackson Documentary Tangled in Lawsuit

TJ Jackson Granted Permanent Co-Guardianship of Michael Jackson Kids

A California judge today made Tito "TJ" Jackson permanent co-guardian of the singer's children along with their grandmother Katherine, but not without some unexpected drama.

A woman claiming to be the cousin of Michael Jackson showed up in court today to ask the judge to delay the appointment of TJ Jackson as permanent co-guardian of the singer's children.

Despite a plea from the woman, Debra Jackson, Judge Mitchell Beckloff granted TJ Jackson the motion to share guardianship with Michael's mother, Katherine Jackson, of the three children.

The judge made the ruling after also considering a letter submitted by singer Diana Ross, in which the singer said she has met TJ and thinks he has good intentions in caring for Michael's kids.

Beckloff said Ross mentioned in the letter that she is very interested in what happens with the children and that she takes her role in the will as the next guardian in line very seriously.




Full Article & Source:
TJ Jackson Granted Permanent Co-Guardianship of Michael Jackson Kids

Legal War Begins in Michael Jackson Estate

A legal war erupted Friday over earnings from Michael Jackson's estate with a former manager claiming a 15 percent stake and the singer's executors seeking to block any payments to the former adviser.

Attorneys for Jackson's estate and Tohme R. Tohme filed dueling cases over the adviser's claims that along with Jackson's mother and three children, he is entitled to a sizable share of the singer's post-death earnings. The estate has earned more than $300 million since Jackson's June 2009 death.

Jackson's estate claims Tohme used undue influence to get Jackson to sign several deals that lined his pockets and that he improperly gave away some of the singer's property. The contracts involved a refinancing of Jackson's debt related to Neverland Ranch and a producer's fee that Tohme negotiated for himself for Jackson's series of planned comeback concerts in London.

Tohme's lawsuit, filed in Santa Monica, California, claims he was influential in reviving Jackson's career after he was acquitted of child molestation charges. His lawsuit states he worked diligently to create "a financial and career strategy that would provide stability for Jackson and his children."

Full Article and Source:
Jackson Estate, Ex-manager Sue Over Earnings Share

Court Rejects Michael Jackson's Father's Appeal

A California appeals court rejected a bid by Michael Jackson's father to challenge the administration of his son's lucrative estate.

A three-justice panel of the California Second District Court of Appeal unanimously affirmed a probate judge's ruling that Joe Jackson didn't have standing to intervene in his son's estate.

A copy of the opinion was not immediately available.

Despite being excluded from his son's 2002 will, Joe Jackson had been seeking to have some control over financial affairs.

Source:
Court Rejects Michael Jacson's Father's Appeal

Jackson Kids 'Doing Wonderfully'

A judge says he's pleased with how Michael Jackson's children are adjusting to being in their grandmother's care.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff says he received a report and is "very pleased" with its contents. The judge says: "It looks like the children are really doing wonderfully with their grandmother guardian."

Michael Jackson chose Katherine Jackson in his 2002 will to care for his children, and a court has appointed her their permanent guardian.

Nearly three months after the pop superstar's death, his estate began paying a $60,000 per month stipend to care for and protect them.

Full Article and Source:
Judge: Jackson Kids 'Doing Wonderfully'

Another Custody Battle?

MICHAEL JACKSON's estate is facing another challenge for custody of the pop superstar's three children from a woman who alleges she was married to the singer and is the kids' biological mother. Claire Elisabeth Fields Cruise has filed three petitions for guardianship of Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, aka Blanket.

According to TMZ.com, Cruise states in her legal papers, "I am the biological mother of Prince Michael Jackson II and all of his siblings."

Full Article and Source:
JACKSON FAMILY FACE ANOTHER BIZARRE CUSTODY CHALLENGE

More information:

Attorneys for Katherine Jackson and Michael Jackson’s estate were in court on Monday handling matters relating to the singer’s fortune and two women with various maternity claims also showed up creating a media circus. One, who calls herself Billie Jean Jackson, and the other, Claire Elisabeth Fields Cruise – who believes she’s the mother of Tom Cruise’s son – both showed up in the courtroom at the Los Angeles Superior Court. During the middle of the estate hearing, Billie Jean stood up and said, “I’m Blanket’s mother,” referring to Jackson’s youngest son, Prince Michael II.
Jackson Estate Hearing Turns Into 3-Ring Circus

A Los Angeles judge is considering whether there should be a special guardian appointed to represent Michael Jackson's three children in financial matters relating to the singer's estate, says a new report.
Latest: Judge Considers Special Guardianship for Jackson's Children

See also:
Michael Jackson - Guardianship

A Will and A Way

See also:
Katherine Jackson Granted Permanent Guardianship

Katherine Jackson Withdraws Petition

Katherine Jackson Granted Permanent Guardianship

Michael Jackson's mother was granted permanent guardianship over the singer's three children.

Katherine Jackson and Debbie Rowe, the mother of Jackson's two older children, had submitted an agreement with the court in which custody of the children would go to their grandmother.

L.A. County Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff ordered a court investigator's report in eight weeks on how the children are being cared for.

Full Article and Source:
Michael Jackson's mother granted guardianship of his children, allowance



More information:
Jackson Guardianship Agreement, Allowance For Kids

See also:
Guardianship Hearing Postponed Again

Jackson Guardianship Case

Katherine Jackson Withdraws Petition

Katherine Jackson withdrew her petition for control of Michael Jackson's estate when the Los Angeles Superior Court resumed its probate hearing.

Michael Jackson's will, drafted in 2002, appointed Michael's close friends John Branca and John McClain as executors of his estate that is estimated to be worth $500 million.

Katherine had filed her petition seeking control of the estate before the existence of the will was made public by the executors.

Full Article and Source:
Katherine Jackson withdraws petition for control over her son's estate

See also:
Battle in Jackson Probate Case

Battle in Jackson Probate Case

Katherine Jackson's lawyer is officially squaring off with the two men Michael Jackson selected to handle his estate, claiming the co-executors are intentionally trying to keep Jackson's mom in the dark.

Londell McMillan just issued a statement making it clear -- he wants Katherine to become a co-executor. McMillan claims the co-executors -- John Branca and John McClain -- are not letting Katherine see the agreement Jackson signed with AEG. ... which McMillan says could be a huge source of income for the estate.

McMillan claims the co-executors are imposing unreasonable demands on Katherine -- requiring her to make special promises of confidentiality for the benefit of AEG.

The co-executors have maintained all along they were the ones Michael selected to manage the estate and they are doing their job.

One thing is clear -- it's getting ugly.

Full Article and Source:
Dogfight Shaping Up in Jackson Probate

More information:
Battle brewing over Michael Jackson's music empire

Guardianship Hearing Postponed Again

The guardianship hearing for Michael Jackson's three children that was scheduled for July 20 has been postponed (again) to Aug. 3, according to TMZ.com.

The reason: Katherine Jackson and Debbie Rowe reportedly are close to striking up a custody settlement. TMZ's sources say that an agreement is expected soon and that the discussion "is amicable and involves the children -- not money."

Katherine Jackson will remain the children's legal guardian until the Aug. 3 hearing.

Full Article and Source:
Michael Jackson: Guardianship hearing postponed

See also:
Second Delay in Guardianship Hearing

Rowe Denies Jackson Payoff

A lawyer for Debbie Rowe is denying a new report that she plans to relinquish parental rights to her children with Michael Jackson in exchange for $4 million from the Jackson family.

The New York Post claimed on Tuesday that Rowe was agreeing to forfeit her parental rights to Prince Michael, 12, and Paris Michael Katherine, 11, to the children’s grandmother, Katherine Jackson, in exchange for the hefty sum.

According to a source who spoke to the paper, “This would be it. This takes away any rights she has to challenge custody at any given time.”

However, an attorney for Rowe told Access Hollywood that the New York Post story is “completely false.”

Full Article and Source:
Debbie Rowe won’t trade kids for $4 million

More information:
Jackson's ex-wife denies attempt to sell off parental rights

Lawyer Says "No Deal" with Jacksons and Debbie Rowe; British Paper States Two United Against "Bullying" Joe Jackson

EXCLUSIVE: No Deal For Debbie Rowe!

Second Delay in Guardianship Hearing

A court official says a guardianship hearing for Michael Jackson's kids has been delayed for a week.

A court spokeswoman says the hearing was granted at the request of Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson and the singer's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe.

L. Londell McMillan, an attorney for Katherine Jackson, says the delay will give both sides time to work out a private and amicable resolution.

Rowe has not yet indicated in court filings whether she intends to seek custody of Jackson's three children, who range in ages from 7 to 12.

It is the second time that Rowe and Katherine Jackson have sought a delay in the guardianship case. The hearing will now be held July 20.

Source:
One week delay in Jackson guardianship case

More information:
Court delays hearing in Jackson guardianship case

See also:
Guardianship Hearing Postponed

Jaskson's Mom Loses Control of Estate

On the eve of his memorial service, control of Michael Jackson's estate slipped out of his mother's hands. A Los Angeles judge ruled Monday that Jackson's 2002 will -- naming attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain as executors -- is valid.

Full Article and Source:
Jackson's mom loses control of estate

More information:
A judge said that Michael Jackson's longtime attorney and a family friend should take over the pop singer's estate for now, rejecting a request from his mother, Katherine Jackson, to be put in charge or share control.
Mother loses control of Michael Jackson's estate as fans trickle into LA for star-studded memorial

An army of lawyers appeared during the first major probate hearing involving Michael Jackson's estate on Monday, as everyone with a potential stake in Jackson's assets is now being represented by an attorney.
Lawyers Abound at Probate Hearing on Michael Jackson's Estate

GRETA VAN SUSTEREN, FOX NEWS HOST: When the dust settles, there could be so much money, hundreds of millions of dollars if the right people and handle Michael Jackson's estate the right way.
Inside the Battle Over Michael Jackson's Estate

Lawyers Set to "Square Off"

Lawyers for Michael Jackson and his family on Sunday prepared to square off in a courtroom hearing over control of the singer's estate as media reports mounted about powerful drugs that may have contributed to his death.

One legal expert predicted the existence of a 2002 will signed by Jackson means his mother, 79-year-old Katherine Jackson, will likely be forced to give up temporary control she now has over his affairs.

Attorney Michael G. Dave: "Given the existence of the will and the expression of Michael's intentions, the only likely outcome is Katherine's powers will be terminated and she will no longer have any power to deal with the estate."

Katherine Jackson was granted temporary administrator of her son's affairs last week before the will became known.

It puts his estate, which in an attachment is valued at more than $500 million, into a family trust that benefits his three children, his mother, and charities.

Full Article and Source:
Lawyers set to square off over Michael Jackson estate

Probate Pitfalls

Michael Jackson’s will has been made public. Debbie Rowe says “I want my children.” The DEA is now investigating and the tour might go on. This story isn’t going away, but as much of the world watches to see how events unfold, one certainty exists - this scenario will provide great opportunity to expand the dialogue regarding probate corruption and estate abuse.

The probate aspects of this case are important. The legal industry will respond in lockstep to extoll the importance of "proper estate planning," but any analysis of inheritance rights issues shows that the best of estate plans can be rendered ineffective when assaulted by modern day grave robbers and other property poachers - often in concert with legal industry professionals who claimed (and were paid) to provide protection.

In fact, an estate of $500,000 - $1 million can be a dangerous "sweet spot" of special appeal for asset looters who use probate instruments (wills, trusts, guardianships or powers of attorney) to commit Involuntary Redistribution of Assets (IRA) acts that divert resources of the dead, disabled or incapacitated.

Lou Ann Anderson is an Examiner from Austin and blogs at Estate of Denial

Full Article and Source:
Jackson estate to enhance discussion of probate pitfalls

Guardianship Hearing Postponed

A judge delayed a hearing over guardianship of Michael Jackson’s three children at the request of attorneys for the singer’s mother and ex-wife.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff postponed the hearing, originally scheduled for Monday, until July 13. Court spokeswoman Vania Stuelp said that a hearing on Jackson’s estate, which was also scheduled for Monday, will go on as scheduled.

Attorneys for Katherine Jackson, Michael Jackson’s mother, and for Debbie Rowe, the mother of the singer’s two older children, jointly filed the request asking for the delay, but did not specify why they wanted more time.

Full Article and Source:
Hearing in Michael Jackson child guardianship case postponed

See also:
Custody Battle Begins

Custody Battle Begins

More information:
Debbie Rowe told a Los Angeles TV station that she will undergo DNA testing to prove she is the biological mother of Prince Michael, 12, and Paris, 11. She wants a restraining order to keep Jacko's dad Joe away from the kids.

Debbie spoke out after it emerged she was "intentionally omitted" from the star's £500 million will.

It revealed Jacko wanted his mum Katherine to be the children's guardian.

A judge has delayed a guardianship hearing at the request of lawyers for Katherine and Debbie.

Jacko's alternative choice was singer Diana Ross.

A source close to Debbie said: "Katherine is elderly. And the idea the kids would go to Diana Ross ahead of their biological mother is just stupid."

MICHAEL Jackson's former wife Debbie Rowe last night declared: "I want my children."

See also:
Jackson's Mom Gets Temp. Guardianship

Michael Jackson's Will Filed

Michael Jackson's 7-year-old will was filed in a Los Angeles court, giving his entire estate to a family trust but cutting out his former wife Debbie Rowe.

The will, dated July 7, 2002, estimated his estate at that time at more than $500 million.

It gives the entire estate to the Michael Jackson Family Trust.

The documents said Jackson's estate consisted almost entirely of "non-cash, non-liquid assets, including primarily an interest in a catalogue of music royalty rights which is currently being administered by Sony ATV, and the interests of various entities."

His mother, Katherine Jackson, is named as a beneficiary of the trust and the guardian of Jackson's three young children, who are named in the will.

The will names Diana Ross as a successor trustee to Jackson's mother if necessary.

Full Article and Source:
Jackson’s will cuts out ex-wife Debbie Rowe

See also:
Jackson's Mom Gets Temp. Guardianship

A Storm Brewing

Jackson's Mom Gets Temp. Guardianship

The children of Michael Jackson, ages 7, 11 and 12, were placed under the temporary guardianship of their paternal grandmother, Katherine Jackson, by a Los Angeles judge.

The biological mother of Jackson's two oldest children, Debbie Rowe, will be invited to a hearing next Monday in which the judge will consider who should have custody of them. She has, so far, not publicly indicated whether she will challenge the Jacksons for custody.

The Jackson family said it has not found a will for the singer, which would leave the division of his estate to the court.

The judge also gave Katherine Jackson temporary control of her son's "tangible personal property."

Full Article and Source:
Michael Jackson's mom gets kids, estate control for now

See also:
When Guardianship Nominations Go Bad