DOCUMENT: Celebrity

Last Will Of Michael Joseph Jackson

Singer's father, siblings not named as beneficiaries in estate trust

View Document

Last Will Of Michael Joseph Jackson

JULY 1--A will signed in 2002 by Michael Jackson stipulates that his assets be placed in a family trust and that his mother be appointed the guardian of his three offspring.

The will, a copy of which you'll find here, lists three executors, including lawyer John Branca and music industry executive John McClain. The will makes no provision for bequests to Jackson's father or any of his eight siblings, and a court filing indicates that beneficiaries of the Michael Jackson Family Trust are limited to his children and mother Katherine.

Six other relatives, including his brother Tito's three sons, are named as "contingent remainder beneficiaries" who would share the estate in the event that Jackson's principal beneficiaries died before he did.

Branca and McClain believe that the value of Jackson's estate "exceeds $500 million" and consists of "non-cash, non-liquid assets," including Jackson's share of lucrative music royalty rights.

In the case that Jackson's mother were to predecease him (or was unable or unwilling to serve as guardian), Jackson stipulated that singer Diana Ross should be appointed guardian of his minor children.

The "Last Will of Michael Joseph Jackson" was executed in Los Angeles on July 7, 2002, about four months after the birth of the performer's youngest child. (8 pages)

Comments (2)

I worked with Michael and visited his home twice where I met his entire family. His mother on two occasions. I believe Michael ultimately trusted his mother's wisdom and would not have put these folks in charge without her having the final decision as a checks and balance. Working with lawyers from time to time over the past 20 years, I know what they are capable of...Fraud at the highest level. They are seldom questioned in these matters. For the same parties to have signed as witnesses and be co-executors is clearly a conflict of interest. I am sure legal maneuvers have secured the attorneys commissions $$$ and there place in history.
Michael was supposed to have signed this will on July 7, 2002 in Los Angeles. But he was speaking to thousands at a rally at the National Action Network in Harlem on that same date at the alleged time. Sounds like a smoking gun to me...