14 DAY TRIAL // Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother, has been stripped of her temporary executor of the estate title following a court hearing that took place yesterday, X17 Online informs. The co-executors of the estate are now attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain, as Michael himself expressed his desire in a letter dated June this year, the same media outlet says.
Following Michael’s sudden death on June 25, his mother, Katherine, was named temporary executor of the estate and was put in charge of all of Michael’s affairs. A court hearing yesterday ruled that she would no longer hold the title, as the late singer himself had just the persons to deal with everything in the eventuality of his death, namely Branca and McClain, whom he trusted more than anyone else, reports say.
“A Los Angeles probate judge ruled today that Michael Jackson’s 2002 will is valid, and he stripped Katherine Jackson from the title of temporary executor and named attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain the co-executors of Jackson’s estate. Lawyers for Katherine wanted Judge Mitchell Beckloff to delay the decision, arguing that the move was happening too quickly, and they also suggested that because McClain suffered from a disability, he was unfit to make decisions on Michael’s $500 million estate. However, the lawyer for the named co-executors claimed to have a letter from Jackson himself stating he wanted Branca to be in control of his affairs. The letter was dated June 17, 2009, and the judge seemed to have no qualms about removing Katherine from her position of power.” X17 says of the decision.
Katherine, in the meantime, will still hold custody of the singer’s three children, just as Michael wanted her to. The first hearing for their permanent custody, which has also been claimed by the natural mother of two of the three children and Michael’s former wife, Debbie Rowe, has been set for July 13. It is believed that, while Michael intently excluded Rowe from his updated will, she still stands a good chance of getting the children in court.
As we speak, Michael Jackson’s fans are gathering outside Staples Center in Los Angeles, where stars, friends and family members will be attending a special memorial event made possible thanks to organizers AEG Live.