Catherine’s unexpected agreement with Michael’s lawyers

At the end of Tuesday’s session in court, Judge Mitchell Beckloff announced that Joe Jackson would receive no share of Michael’s wealth and cannot object to the lawyers who are carrying out his son’s will. However, he said Joe can pursue his legal request for a monthly household allowance from Michael’s assets. Before the judge’s ruling, Catherine’s new lawyer Adam Estrin said that his client will not oppose the performance of Michael’s lawyers—John Branca and John McClain—from now on. Estrin said his client has reached the conclusion that it’s time to end the legal dispute over this matter: "Catherine Jackson believes that the lawyers appointed under the will can manage Michael Jackson’s wealth in a way that provides the greatest benefit to his children." This is Estrin’s first major move since last month, when Catherine replaced the team that had represented her in matters related to the will since her son’s death. Catherine had previously been trying, through that team, to secure voting rights and influence Michael’s financial affairs. John Branca has been Michael’s financial lawyer for more than 20 years, and John McClain is Michael’s childhood friend. Estrin also told the court that Michael’s father has no legal right to object to these two lawyers. On Monday, Joe filed a petition seeking to remove Branca and McClain and also claimed that Michael’s will is fake. Joe’s lawyer, Brian Oxman, accused Branca of embezzlement in court and said that Michael fired him in 2003 for that reason. Howard Weitzman, the attorney for Michael’s lawyers, said: “Joe Jackson’s claims are so offensive that it’s better not to respond. John Branca and John McClain, who were appointed by Michael under the will, will continue to carry out Michael’s wishes for the benefit of his mother, his children, and charitable foundations.” Source: eMJey / AP / TMZ