Katherine can oppose Michael’s lawyers

Judge Mitchell Beckloff allowed Katherine Jackson to oppose her son’s financial and professional guardians—John Branca and John McClain—without being disinherited.

These two lawyers were appointed by Michael to carry out his will. With the judge’s new ruling, Katherine can oppose them in a possible hearing about their qualifications without losing her inheritance. Michael’s mother receives 40% of his assets. Another 40% is for Michael’s three children. The remaining 20% goes to several charitable institutions. Michael’s assets are worth more than $500 million.

Since Michael’s death, the two lawyers have been able to increase the King of Pop’s assets by about $200 million through various contracts, including film production, book publishing, a Michael memorabilia museum, and the sale of merchandise bearing his name and logo. The judge has set the monthly allowance that should be paid from Michael’s assets to his children and their guardian at about $86,000.

Katherine Jackson and her lawyers did not object to all contracts signed by these two lawyers. Their objection was to the contract that Michael’s lawyers signed with AEG to display the King of Pop’s memorabilia. They also raised objections regarding the contract to produce a film from Michael’s rehearsal footage for the This Is It concerts. Despite their opposition, the judge approved both of these contracts. This Is It will be released in late October this year, and after that it will also be released on DVD for sale with additional scenes.

Michael’s lawyers have said that his debts will be settled without any problem, and the strong sales of albums and other Michael-related items after his death suggest that the value of his assets will even exceed that of the late Elvis Presley.

Source: eMJey / AP