Michael Jackson will filed in court

July 1, 11:43 PMCable TV ExaminerChristine Nyholm

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Micheal Jackson's will, written in 2002, was filed in court on July 1, 2009. The will spelled out the guardianship of his three children and the disposition of his assets. CNN and HLN, among other television news media, reported on the will and even showed copies of the will and Michael Jackson's signature and initials on air. Copies of the will are attached to the slideshow in this article.

Jackson specified that his mother, Katherine Jackson, would be the guardian of his three children. The will went on to specify that if Katherine Jackson was not able to care for his children that he wanted singer Diana Ross to be the guardian.

According to information reported on CNN, Michael Jackson's estate is divided as follows:

• 40% to Katherine Jackson to be used during her lifetime. After his mother passes away her share will revert to his children. 
• 40% to be split between his three children, MIchael I, Paris and Michael II;  immediately
• 20$ to unspecified charities. The executor of the estate would be able to choose the charities to benefit. 

Jackson had not specified instructions for his memorial or burial.

Michael Jackson put the entire estate into a family trust, controlled by three men.

The will specifically did not include his father Joe Jackson or his ex - wife Debbie Rowe.

Jackson's estate was estimated at about $500 million at the time it was written. Jackson split his estate between his mother, his children and various charities. It is not known how much the estate is worth today. Jackson was reportedly in debt, but his assets continue to produce income. Jackson's music has been a hot seller since his death and those sales produce royalties that will go into his estate. In addition, Jackson owned the music book that paid royalties on music by other artists, including The Beatles.

The attached slideshow contains pictures of Michael Jackson's will and birth certificates for his children.

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