Amid mounting speculation over the fates of Michael Jackson’s three children, a will by the deceased pop icon was filed with a Los Angeles court on Wednesday. Court sources say the will grants Jackson's mother, Katherine (photo), guardianship.

REUTERS - A will from Michael Jackson -- which should clarify who ends up controlling his multimillion dollar estate and who gains guardianship of his three children -- was filed with a Los Angeles court on Wednesday, court officials said.

 

A source familiar with the document told Reuters one day earlier that the will places Jackson's assets in a trust and gives guardianship of his children, Prince Michael I, 12, Paris, 11 and Prince Michael II, 7, to Jackson's 79-year-old mother, Katherine.

The will names longtime Jackson friend and pop star Diana Ross as the guardian for his children in the case his mother is unable to fulfill her duties.

The source said executors of the will, formalized in 2002, are Los Angeles-based attorney John Branca, a long-time Jackson counsel, as well as music industry executive John McClain.

 

Date created : 2009-07-01