Blog

The late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, continues to make headlines even after his death

May 5, 2023 | Wills, Trusts & Estates

The late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, continues to make headlines even after his death, as his mother, Katherine Jackson, is now in a legal battle with his estate.

Katherine claims that the estate has entered into a secret deal that will deprive her family of their rightful share of Jackson’s wealth. The dispute centers on a music catalog that Michael Jackson acquired during his lifetime, which is now a valuable asset of his estate.

According to Katherine Jackson, the estate has entered into a deal with Sony Music that is worth around $250 million, which would give Sony the right to use Michael Jackson’s music for various projects. Katherine claims that the estate did not consult her or the rest of the family about the deal, which she believes will not be in their best interest. Katherine also alleges that the estate has failed to provide her and the rest of the family with detailed financial statements, which has made it difficult for them to determine how much they are owed from Jackson’s estate.

The estate, on the other hand, denies any wrongdoing and claims that it has acted in accordance with the law and the terms of Michael Jackson’s will. The estate argues that it has the sole right to manage and distribute Jackson’s assets, including his music catalog. The estate also claims that it has provided Katherine and the rest of the family with regular financial reports and that they are free to challenge any aspect of the estate’s management in court.

The dispute between Katherine Jackson and the estate is not the first legal battle over Michael Jackson’s estate. After his death in 2009, his will was contested by various parties, including some of his siblings, who claimed that the will was forged. However, the court eventually ruled in favor of the estate, and the will was deemed valid.
The legal battle between Katherine Jackson and the estate highlights the complex and often contentious nature of estate planning and asset distribution. While it may seem straightforward to distribute assets according to a person’s will, disputes can arise over the interpretation of the will, the valuation of assets, and the management of those assets.

For individuals who want to avoid such disputes, it’s important to work with an experienced estate planning attorney who can help them create a comprehensive estate plan that takes into account their unique needs and circumstances. This may include setting up trusts, creating detailed financial plans, and establishing clear instructions for how assets should be distributed.

Overall, the legal battle between Katherine Jackson and Michael Jackson’s estate serves as a reminder that estate planning is a critical aspect of financial planning that should not be taken lightly. By working with an experienced attorney and creating a comprehensive plan, individuals can ensure that their assets are distributed in a way that aligns with their values and goals and minimizes the risk of disputes and legal battles among family members.