A Los Angeles judge on Monday removed Michael Jackson's mother as temporary administrator of his estate and gave it to two of the pop icon's business associates in line with his 2002 will.

A judge had named Jackson's 79-year-old mother Katherine temporary administrator of her son's assets on June 29 after lawyers for the musical clan said they were not aware of the existence of a valid will.

However two days later a will was filed by two respected business associates of Jackson -- attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain -- naming them as the co-executors of the pop star's estate.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff ruled that Branca and McClain should be placed in charge of Jackson's assets -- which include his Neverland Ranch and rights to Beatles songs -- until a new hearing August 3.

Lawyers for Katherine Jackson had opposed the motion to appoint the two men, citing a "conflict of interests" and questioning whether Branca had a current relationship with Jackson at the time of his death.

"Mrs Jackson has concerns about handing over the keys of the kingdom just yet. She feels it is too soon," attorney John Schreiber said.

However a lawyer for Branca, a prominent entertainment industry attorney, said his client had recently been rehired by Jackson and was well known to the family.

"It's not like these are people who are unknown to Mrs Jackson," Paul Hoffman said. "She's well aware of who these people are."