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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Jackson Estate Goes to Family Trust: Will

Singer named Diana Ross as backup guardian for children

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(AP) – Michael Jackson's 7-year-old will was filed today in a Los Angeles court, giving his entire estate to a family trust. His mother, Katherine Jackson, is named as a beneficiary of the trust and the guardian of Jackson's three young children, who are named in the will. The will names Diana Ross as a successor trustee to Jackson's mother if necessary.

Dated July 7, 2002, the will estimated his estate at that time at more than $500 million. It gives the entire estate to the Michael Jackson Family Trust. His former wife Debbie Rowe is cut out of the will. The documents 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."

In this 1981 file picture, Michael Jackson and Diana Ross hold their American Music Awards in Los Angeles.
In this 1981 file picture, Michael Jackson and Diana Ross hold their American Music Awards in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo)
Fans sing and dance to the music of Michael Jackson during a tribute to the late singer at Harlem's Apollo theatre Tuesday, June 30, 2009 in New York.  Jackson died Thursday in Los Angeles at the age of 50.
Fans sing and dance to the music of Michael Jackson during a tribute to the late singer at Harlem's Apollo theatre Tuesday, June 30, 2009 in New York. Jackson died Thursday in Los Angeles at the age...   (Jason DeCrow)
A cement truck exits Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos, Calif., within an hour of arriving during the afternoon on Tuesday, June 30, 2009.   Once the home of the late pop icon Michael Jackson, the ranch saw a steady flow of grounds keepers and other workers, plus flower deliveries, law enforcement...
A cement truck exits Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos, Calif., within an hour of arriving during the afternoon on Tuesday, June 30, 2009. Once the home of the late pop icon Michael Jackson, the ranch saw...   (Eric Parsons)
Fans sing and dance to the music of Michael Jackson during a tribute to the late singer at Harlem's Apollo theatre Tuesday, June 30, 2009 in New York. Jackson died Thursday in Los Angeles at the age of 50.
Fans sing and dance to the music of Michael Jackson during a tribute to the late singer at Harlem's Apollo theatre Tuesday, June 30, 2009 in New York. Jackson died Thursday in Los Angeles at the age of...   (Jason DeCrow)
A young fan dances to the music of Michael Jackson during a tribute to the late singer at Harlem's Apollo theatre Tuesday, June 30, 2009 in New York.  Jackson died Thursday in Los Angeles at the age of 50.
A young fan dances to the music of Michael Jackson during a tribute to the late singer at Harlem's Apollo theatre Tuesday, June 30, 2009 in New York. Jackson died Thursday in Los Angeles at the age of...   (Jason DeCrow)
As fans watch, florists hang a white rose wreath on the gates of the late Michael Jackson's former residence, Neverland Ranch, in Los Olivos, Calif., Tuesday, June 30, 2009.
As fans watch, florists hang a white rose wreath on the gates of the late Michael Jackson's former residence, Neverland Ranch, in Los Olivos, Calif., Tuesday, June 30, 2009.   (Michael A. Mariant)
Singer Diana Ross was named as a backup guardian for Michael Jackson's children should anything happen to his mother, named primary guardian.
Singer Diana Ross was named as a backup guardian for Michael Jackson's children should anything happen to his mother, named primary guardian.   (AP Photo)
This 2002 file photo shows Michael Jackson accepting his award as artist of the century at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles.
This 2002 file photo shows Michael Jackson accepting his award as artist of the century at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo)
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Reader64481089
Jul 2, 09 8:58 AM CDT
Well, considering MJ owns a 50 percent stake in the massive Sony-ATV Music Publishing Catalog, which includes music by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, Lady Gaga and the Jonas Brothers. Eventually all bills will be repaid and the end result will leave 3 children a massive fortune indeed also there are many other investments that Jackson owns and money continues to trickle in I am sure. Reply
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