Michael Jackson's mum gains custody of his children

By Ruth Doherty on Tuesday 30 June 2009

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Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson's mum, Katherine, has gained temporary custody of his three children until 3 August – while his dad may have been cut out of his will, it has emerged.

One of Jackson's former lawyers, John Branca, has come forward with what is believed to be Jackson's last will, written in 2002.

It is said to share his multi-million estate between his mother, children and a number of charities.

Michael had a frosty relationship with his father, Joe, who he accused of abusing him as a child.

The news comes as Katherine was granted temporary custody of his three children in the first of what will undoubtedly be a host of court hearings over the issue.

According to the custody petition filed yesterday, it 'is not known at this time' whether Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe – the mother of the two eldest children – will try to claim custody.

Katherine Jackson, 79, also filed court papers to take control of her late son's tangled estate.

Michael is thought to have been around £300 million in debt, but owned half of a back catalogue of music, which is now said to be worth £1 billion, and is in a protected trust.

His creditors are thought to be lining up to make claims on the estate for money owing to them.

But, with the music rights collection, soaring record sales and plans to turn Neverland into a theme park, whoever gains legal right of the estate will become extremely wealthy.

If no legally binding will turns up, under Californian law, his children will inherit the estate.

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Tuesday 30 June 2009

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i think that this is great what he did on his will.. i still kind of feel sorry for the dad for some reason. i just can't beleive that he has passed away like honestly!!
Comment by Tulipe Ulutupu on July 02 00:34