The ruling, issued by Judge Mitchell L. Beckloff, denied the application of Mr. Jacksons mother, Katherine, to oversee her sons estate. Mr. Branca and Mr. McClain were named as executors in Mr. Jacksons 2002 will, which was filed in court on July 1, two days after Ms. Jackson filed her petition saying that she was unaware that her son had a valid will.
In court, a lawyer for Ms. Jackson said that Mr. Branca had previously been removed by Mr. Jackson from a position of financial authority. A lawyer for Mr. Branca said he was rehired by Mr. Jackson in June days before the singers death on June 25.
In his ruling, Judge Beckloff said that Mr. Branca and Mr. McClain would have to post a $1 million bond on the estate, and that their authority over the estate will expire Aug. 3, when another hearing will be held. Though Mr. Jackson died in debt, a court filing estimated his estate will be worth more than $500 million.
