Michael Jackson will surfaces, cuts out dad

June 30, 9:47 AMSF Health News ExaminerJefferson Adams

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A will drafted by Michael Jackson in 2002 that cuts out the star's father,
Joe Jackson, and splits the estate of the late pop star between his
mother, three children and one or more charities, has surfaced. It
may play a crucial role in deciding how Jackson's complex financial
situation is resolved. AP Photo: Doug Pizac

A will drafted by Michael Jackson in 2002 splits the estate of the late pop star between his mother, three children and one or more charities has surfaced, and may play a crucial role in deciding how Jackson's complex financial situation is resolved. The document makes no mention of the star's father, Joseph Jackson.

Sources close the family said that a lawyer for Mr. Jackson could submit the will, believed to be the most recent, to Los Angeles Superior Court as early as Thursday.

Such a filing would help to resolve confusion and speculation by relatives and advisers of the late singer as to which document, if any, constitutes a valid will.

So far, one or two wills dated earlier have surfaced, sources close to the situation say. The Associated Press reports that Jackson's parents, Joseph and Katherine Jackson, claimed in a recent court filing that they believed the singer lacked a valid will when he died. Joseph Jackson believed to be excluded from the 2002 will.

Reports quote a lawyer for Joseph and Katherine Jackson as writing in an email that neither he nor Jackson's parents had seen the 2002 will. "No will has been presented to family or us," wrote L. Londell McMillan. Adding that we  "will review any will when we see it."

On Monday,  California Superior Court Judge granted a request by Michael Jackson's mom, Katherine Jackson, to assume temporary guardianship of the late star's children, Prince, Paris, and Blanket, but declined to rule on her request to administer Jackson's estate.

Michael Jackson's mom asked a judge to give her control over the estate of her late son so she can make certain the pop star's surviving children will receive what is properly theirs.

In the court filing made by Katherine Jackson, the star's parents say they believe the singer died without a valid will. Michael Jackson's father, Joe, supported Katherine Jackson's efforts to gain rights over the estate.

According to the filing, Katherine Jackson "intends to marshal assets of the decedent for the exclusive use of the decedent's three children, her grandchildren, after payment of debts and expenses of administration." Judge Mitchell Beckloff scheduled hearings for July 6 and Aug. 3, when he will take up the matter, along with deciding whether to approve a request by Jackson to become permanent guardian of her son's children.

Mr. McMillan said the family is "pleased" with the judge's ruling. The precise custody arrangements contained in the 2002 will remain unknown.