Court Hearing Update

In a court hearing in Los Angeles (USA) which was also attended by Katherine and LaToya Jackson and her attorneys several key issues involving Michael's children and estate are decided.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff still has to decide several crucial issues regarding the estate. Branca and McClain, who have temporary control of Michael Jackson's financial matters, could leave the hearing with a firmer rein on the estate. However, the to-do list for the hearing has grown in recent weeks, with Beckloff deferring decisions on several issues, including the following:

- A monthly allowance for Katherine Jackson and Michael's children. The special administrators of the estate have asked for monthly stipends for the group, noting that Michael supported all of them when he was alive.

- Whether Katherine Jackson can challenge the men currently administering Michael's estate, without actually contesting her son's will. Her attorneys have asked Beckloff to decide whether if they petition to remove the current administrators, they will trigger a no-contest clause in Michael Jackson's trust. Without the protection of Beckloff's ruling, Mrs. Jackson could lose her 40 percent share of the estate.

- Mrs. Jackson's attorneys have expressed concerns about possible conflicts of interests that Branca and McClain may have, and have been seeking greater access to Michael Jackson's records in the form of subpoenas and depositions.

- Decide whether Branca and McClain continue administering Michael Jackson's estate. Court filings indicate the pair have already received $5.5 million from a former Jackson financial adviser, Tohme Tohme. They have also taken possession of many of Michael's property, and have said in court filings that they hope to finish several multimillion deals soon. The judge has already approved one deal that will re-release Michael's autobiography, "Moonwalk". The entertainer also left behind several unfinished projects and a trove of unreleased music.

Meanwhile, administrators of Michael Jackson's estate have received his life insurance proceeds. Money designated for the three children has been received by a trust being handled by the special administrators of the estate. It is planned to give the children a monthly stipend. Another filing indicates that Katherine Jackson is also eligible for some benefits from the policy.

Source: MJFC / AP