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Jackson leaves estate to family Jackson leaves estate to family
(40 minutes later)
Michael Jackson's will has been filed in a Los Angeles court, giving his entire estate to a family trust.Michael Jackson's will has been filed in a Los Angeles court, giving his entire estate to a family trust.
The document, dated 7 July 2002, also reveals the star chose not to provide for his former wife, Debbie Rowe. The document, dated 7 July 2002, also reveals the star "intentionally omitted" to provide for his former wife, Debbie Rowe.
Jackson's mother, Katherine, is named as a beneficiary of the trust and the guardian of the singer's three young children, who are named in the will.Jackson's mother, Katherine, is named as a beneficiary of the trust and the guardian of the singer's three young children, who are named in the will.
The documents estimated Jackson's estate at that time to be worth more than $500m (£303m). It estimated Jackson's estate at that time to be more than $500m (£303m).
The will said Jackson's estate consisted almost entirely of "non-cash, non-liquid assets, including primarily an interest in a catalogue of music royalty rights which is currently being administered by Sony ATV, and the interests of various entities". Custody rights
'Remarkable legacy' The Michael Jackson Family Trust would benefit his three children, his mother and unnamed charities, according to Reuters.
Katherine Jackson is currently looking after the children
The news agency also reported that Jackson's five-page will said: "I have intentionally omitted to provide for my former wife, Deborah Rowe Jackson."
Rowe married Jackson in 1996 but filed for divorce in 1999. She gave up custody rights to the children but sought them again in 2003.
They agreed a settlement in 2006 but the terms were never disclosed.
She is the biological mother of Jackson's eldest children - Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, known as Prince Michael, 12, and Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11. The singer's youngest son - seven-year-old Prince Michael II - was born to a surrogate mother whose identity has never been revealed.
Long-time friend and singer Diana Ross is also named as guardian for Jackson's children in the event that his mother was unable to fulfil her duties.Long-time friend and singer Diana Ross is also named as guardian for Jackson's children in the event that his mother was unable to fulfil her duties.
Katherine Jackson was granted temporary guardianship of Jackson's three children - Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, known as Prince Michael, 12, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II - on Monday. Katherine Jackson was granted temporary guardianship of Jackson's three children on Monday.
'Remarkable legacy'
The will said Jackson's estate consisted almost entirely of "non-cash, non-liquid assets, including primarily an interest in a catalogue of music royalty rights which is currently being administered by Sony ATV, and the interests of various entities".
The most important element of Michael's will is his unwavering desire that his mother, Katherine, become the legal guardian for his three children Executors John Branca and John McClain
That refers to the singer's share of the Sony/ATV Music Publishing catalogue that includes rights to the songs of The Beatles.
The will names Jackson's lawyer John Branca and John McClain, a music executive and a family friend, as co-executors of the will.The will names Jackson's lawyer John Branca and John McClain, a music executive and a family friend, as co-executors of the will.
In a statement, Mr Branca and Mr McClain said: "The most important element of Michael's will is his unwavering desire that his mother, Katherine, become the legal guardian for his three children.In a statement, Mr Branca and Mr McClain said: "The most important element of Michael's will is his unwavering desire that his mother, Katherine, become the legal guardian for his three children.
"As we work to carry out Michael's instructions to safeguard both the future of his children as well as the remarkable legacy he left us as an artist, we ask that all matters involving his estate be handled with the dignity and the respect that Michael and his family deserve.""As we work to carry out Michael's instructions to safeguard both the future of his children as well as the remarkable legacy he left us as an artist, we ask that all matters involving his estate be handled with the dignity and the respect that Michael and his family deserve."
Rowe married Jackson in 1996 but filed for divorce in 1999. She gave up custody rights to the children but sought them again in 2003. Meanwhile, fans and reporters have continued to gather outside Jackson's Neverland ranch after reports that his body will go on public view there.
They agreed a settlement in 2006 but the terms were never disclosed. Wreaths have been placed on the gates of Jackson's Neverland ranch
She is the biological mother of Jackson's eldest children. The singer's youngest son was born to a surrogate mother whose identity has never been revealed. Various sources claim a public viewing has been scheduled for Friday ahead of a private funeral on Sunday.
Vehicles and workers have been going in and out of the property, located about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
Members of Jackson's family have met police and the California Highway Patrol to discuss funeral arrangements.
Unconfirmed reports suggest Jackson's body may be placed in a glass coffin and be transported from Los Angeles to Neverland in a "fairytale carriage".
According to a California Highway Patrol spokesman, however, "details are still pending".