Katherine Jackson’s Control of Michael Jackson’s Estate Has Been Removed

Katherine Jackson and Michael Jackson

Although Katherine Jackson objected, a Los Angeles judge, Mitchell Beckloff had removed her control as temporary administrator of her son’s estate on Monday.

The control of the estate goes to John Branca and John McClain, two of Michael’s business associates in line with the King of Pop’s 2002 will, but the 79-year-old mother remains the temporary guardian of the entertainer’s three children.

An attorney for the executors, Howard Weitzman, shared his opinion about the judge’s ruling, “We believe Judge Beckloff made the correct decision. We intend to carry out the wishes Michael Jackson set forth. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jackson family this week in remembering Michael as a beloved father, son and brother, and as the world honors his remarkable legacy as an artist.”

Meanwhile, lawyers for Katherine Jackson had opposed the motion to appoint the two men, citing a “conflict of interests” and questioning whether Branca had a current relationship with Jackson at the time of his death. As attorney John Schreiber said, “Mrs Jackson has concerns about handing over the keys of the kingdom just yet. She feels it is too soon.”

Her attorneys also suggested that because McClain suffers from a disability, he is unfit to make decisions on Michael’s estate, which is estimated to be worth more than $500 million. But Beckloff refused, telling Schreiber, “Someone needs to be at the helm of the ship.” Judge Beckloff also said he believed Branca and McClain would act in the best interest of the estate and be best equipped to sort through various complicated legal and financial problems.

The next hearing in the probate case is set for August 3.

[ via E! Online ]

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