The business of managing Michael Jackson’s legacy remains as complex as ever, even years after the King of Pop’s passing. New court documents have offered a peek into the ongoing efforts to oversee his vast estate. These papers reveal some of the many challenges faced by the team in charge.
The estate’s managers, John Branca and John McClain, recently asked a court to approve payments for legal services. These services were provided by law firms between July and December of 2018. This request is part of the long process of settling Jackson’s estate, which is known for its intricate legal matters. Court approval for fees can often take years.
According to a filing made in February 2025, lawyers for Branca and McClain explained what one firm worked on during that 2018 period. They mentioned addressing “issues related to Michael Jackson’s ex-wife.” The filing did not name which ex-wife was involved. Michael Jackson was married to Lisa Marie Presley from 1994 to 1996. He was also married to Debbie Rowe, mother to his children Paris and Prince, from 1996 to 2000.
Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson Stephane Cardinale/Sygma via Getty Images
The court documents, initially obtained by Us Weekly, also detailed other major tasks the lawyers undertook. These included managing money for family members and handling accounting. They also dealt with a claim regarding rights from a bankruptcy case that involved Michael’s parents, Joseph and Katherine Jackson. An accuser, James Safechuck, was another legal matter handled.
The estate also settled a claim from Michael’s former manager, Tohme Tohme. He stated he was owed over $5 million for his work between 2007 and 2009. The estate’s executors fought this claim. The case went to court in 2018 and eventually settled for $3 million. Legal teams also defended against a lawsuit from music producer Quincy Jones. The executors noted that some requested fees were for other matters related to Jones, separate from his lawsuit.
Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe Michel Dufour/WireImage
The lawyers also handled issues concerning Michael’s famous home, Neverland Ranch. This included meetings with potential buyers. Neverland first went up for sale in 2015 for $100 million. The estate listed it again in 2019 for $31 million. It finally sold in 2020 to billionaire Ron Burkle.
Now, a new wrinkle has emerged. Michael’s daughter, Paris Jackson, has voiced her concerns about some of these requested fees. Paris, who is a beneficiary of the estate along with her brothers Prince and Bigi Jackson, has “serious doubts” about the amounts.
In her legal filing, Paris’s lawyer stated that the executors are seeking $625,000 for three law firms. This amount is for time that was not fully accounted for. Paris’s legal team questioned why the lawyers failed to record their time properly. They also asked why this failure should not prevent payment. Her lawyer added that these payments appear to be “excessive bonuses” to lawyers who were already well paid.
Paris also suggested that the law firms might have already received full payments. If true, this would go against a court order allowing only “partial fee payments” until final approval. The estate has not yet responded to these new claims. A court hearing is scheduled for later this month. The legal saga surrounding Michael Jackson’s enduring legacy continues.