While lawyers for Michael Jackson’s family claim no will exists for the late singer, a seven-year-old draft for a final testament surfaced yesterday.
The 2002 Michael Jackson will, believed to be his most current, reportedly left his estate to his mother, Katherine Jackson, along with his three children – Michael Jr., 12, Paris, 11, and Blanket, 7 – and at least one charity.
Michael Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, was not as an heir. Whether Joe’s omission was deliberate is unclear, however, Michael always said that Joe was mentally and physically abusive to him during his upbringing.
The will, which came to light, recently, names his attorney, John Branca and music executive, John McClain as executors of the estate. Branca has a long history with Michael. In 1985 Branca brokered the deal for Michael to purchase The Beatles’ publishing catalogue. Branca and Michael stopped working together in 2006 but the singer hired him back just three weeks ago.
While Michael Jackson reportedly died with $400-500 million in debt, the value of his vast assets will likely outweigh his debt by $200 million or more. The 2002 will could be submitted to court as early as Thursday. John Branca has said that he will file the will within 30 days of the singer’s tragic death.