WSJ: 2002 Jackson Will Leaves Out Dad

Journal Reports Lawyer Likely to File Pop Star's Most Recent Legal Will this Week

(CBS/AP)  The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that Michael Jackson's most recent legal will, a document signed in 2002 which names a lawyer and a former music executive as executors of the pop star's estate, may be filed as early as Thursday.

The will reportedly divides Jackson's immense estate among his mother, three children and one or more charities, but does not name his father, Joe Jackson, according to people close to the late singer.

The singer died suddenly last Thursday at the age of 50. His parents, who filed Monday for custody of his children, have suggested a will might not exist.

According to the Journal's report, the 2002 document names lawyer John Branca and veteran music executive John McClain as executors. Branca, who authored the will, was Jackson's main attorney from 1980 to 2006, and was rehired by Jackson the week before he died. Neither Branca nor McClain could be reached by the newspaper for comment.

People familiar with Jackson's finances told the Journal that the singer died with something in the region of $500 million in debt, but that his estate is likely worth an even greater sum - possibly $200 million more than he owed.

No confirmed legal will has surfaced yet for the global star, but the celebrity news Web site TMZ.com reported Monday that Jackson's lawyer has a copy of a will and he intends to file it with the court.

Jackson never told his family who he had in place to handle his business affairs, a person close to the family has told The Associated Press. The person, who requested anonymity because of the delicate nature of the situation, said they were told by the singer's phalanx of advisers that he likely had a will, but it may be many years old.

[peetrerb]

Knowing what we do about the abuse his father imparted on those kids, under NO WAY should they get into those hands. He left his father out of the will for a reason!

[geminispyder-2009]

Joe Jackson: Proof that pr*cks and a-holes live forever.

[andie52]

"Jackson was a boxer, a guitarist for a local band and a crane operator at US Steel. When he recognised the musical talents of his children, he organised and trained the Jackson 5, also serving as their manager.

Michael Jackson said that his father beat him and that "just a look would scare you." He claimed that he would get physically sick, as a child and as an adult, just at the sight of his father.

Joe Jackson admitted to the BBC in 2003: "I whipped him with a switch and a belt...I never beat him. You beat someone with a stick."

Joe Jackson remained president of Jackson Family Entertainment Inc and opened the Joe Jackson Talent Agency. In 1999, he filed for bankruptcy.

In 2005, he launched Joe Jackson's Hip-Hop Boot Camp, a rap contest meant to find "the best hip-hop artist in the world".

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6608376.ece

[obomba1]

This is perfect. Sadly Joe will continue to go on the interview circuit and make a bundle. But what a nice slap in the face from son to daddy dearest!

[14jaenak]

OMG they should be concentrating on MJ funeral & the safety of the children instead of running around after his money dam it!! & i dont really like the ideal of the children being around Joe ], he might hurt them just like what he did to MJ. I just hope that all 3 children are kept together & they should be given everything nevermind that other lot there just babys then need it more.

[sioux4life1]

Works for me. I grew up in Indiana listening to the Jackson 5 and as a adult I am very fond of Michael's and Janet's music. Now his infamous father, Jesse and Al can take a hike for all I care. They (family) lost my support when these three got together. Come to think of it, Jackson's father NEVER had my support ever.

[mtcolquitt]

There are so many vultures flying over the Jackson compound, you can't even see the sun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[andie52]

"Katherine's attorney, Burt Levitch, claims there are numerous bank accounts of Michael's that are being controlled by third parties. He says the bank accounts are used "to pay expenses of [Michael's] parents' home." Levitch says these bank accounts need to be controlled so third parties don't misspend the money."

http://www.tmz.com/

Of course they are concerned they are money hungry and even though Joe is out of the will Katherine is a pushover for him and always has been; he will still tell her what to do and how to spend any money.

[kamsack50]

It's not for me to say how a person deals with the death of their child, but it isn't kind of strange that Joe Jackson goes to the Black Entertainment Awards show before his son has even had his funeral? And not just as an appearance to give a message, but sitting through the whole show, jokes and all. Wouldn't that be kind of difficult?

[timothyjo]

micheal jacksons father joe jerkson is a evil and sick person and birds of a feather do hang !! like joes friends al sharpton and jesse jackson three of gulist men both inside and out !! God help us, like bunch of bums at a free lunch

[knowdalaw]

All the money he had and they cannot afford to bury him.

When are they going to BURY Michael Jackson? They can worry about the money later, but he needs to be PUT IN THE GROUND or cremated. Whatever he decided to do.

[u-r-right]

He should be giving something to his fans since he "loved them all so very much."

[credibility2]

Why should anyone be surprised that Joe isn't included in the will? The mother shouldn't get custody of his kids, either. She was an enabler to all of the abuse the father Joe caused in that family. She did nothing to stop it, even if that meant leaving with the kids. No, instead, she put up with it as part of their money-making scheme off of the talents of their kids. The parents have filthy hands.

[zonkzilla]

I don't feel sorry for Jackson's father, Michael left me out of the will also.

[45ford]

what is it with Joe Jackson anyway? his aloof actions, illiterate 'n blathering comments and camera presence in recent days has been plain weird.

[vegas2go]

GOOD FOR HIM! His father should not get a Dime - he's gotten far more than he deserves already. And, he should not get Custody of those children, due to his physical cruelty to Michael as he was growing up. Shame on him.

[nishaboston]

Not surprising he couldn't stand his father.