Michael Jackson’s Mom Battles Temporary Executors of Jackson Estate

Michael Jackson’s Mom Battles Temporary Executors of Jackson Estate on Monday, August 3rd, 2009.

Katherine Jackson’s legal battle for some control of her son’s estate returns to court Monday in front of the same judge who is expected to grant her permanent guardianship of Michael Jackson’s children.

There will probably be more lawyers in the court room as dozens of lawyers are expected to pack a Los Angeles courtroom where a judge will consider the Jackson family matriarch, Katherine Jackson’s challenge of the lawyer and former music executive who were named as executors in Michael Jackson’s will.

Katherine Jackson’s lawyers filed a petition last week accusing the men who now control the estate of being “intent on keeping her in the dark” about deals they’ve made or are negotiating, in regards to the Michael Jackson estate.

Londell McMillan, Jackson’s lead attorney, raised questions about “a suspicious circle of relationships” involving John Branca, the singer’s longtime personal attorney and John McClain, a music industry executive and also a longtime friend of Michael Jackson.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff gave Branca and McClain temporary control of the estate until Monday’s hearing, on August, 3rd, 2009.

Katherine Jackson is asking the judge to order Branca, McClain and others to answer questions under oath about their business agreements to determine if they are “fit and able” to administer the estate. Branca, McClain and others involved in the Jackson estate were served with a 19 page demand for documents.

Branca has refused to let Katherine Jackson see Michael Jackson’s contracts with AEG, the company that was organizing and promoting his planned concerts, which is also part of the business who hired Michael Jackson’s private doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray.

Michael Jackson’s Mom Battles Temporary Executors of Jackson Estate since they have refused her access to the documents, unless she agrees to keep them confidential.

Branca’s lawyer argued in a court filing that he has no choice, since the contracts have a provision requiring confidentiality.

Branca’s lawyers also argued that “Jackson’s demand for documents was too broad and burdensome. Such measures will not be necessary if Mrs. Jackson is appointed a co-executor of the estate,” McMillan stated.

McMillan, in an interview with CBS Thursday, estimated the Jackson estate was worth $2 billion, while the executors have estimated in court that its value is around $500 million. The will written in 2002 places all of Michael Jackson’s assets into a family trust benefiting his mother, his three children and unnamed charities.

Michael Jackson’s Mom Battles Temporary Executors of Jackson Estate and Judge Beckloff will consider at Monday’s hearing who will have permanent control of the estate.