Jackson Court Hearing
We're inside the courtroom as the lawyer for the co-executors of Michael Jackson's will, John Branca and John McClain, go before a judge seeking to be named administrator of Jackson's estate.
1:08 PM ET -- Hearing is over.
1:02 PM ET -- The judge just said that decisions involving marshaling the assets, attorney's fees, and settling claims and actions all require court approval -- as well as any modifications to existing court agreements and decisions
1:00 PM ET -- The judge just made it clear -- Katherine is NOT a co-administrator and she is not required to be involved in every decision. But, he pointed out, her attorney does have the ability to object.
12:54 PM ET -- The executors are also interested in operating his businesses (employees, investments, etc.) but any new business ventures would be subject to court approval.
12:49 PM ET -- The lawyer for the executors is balking about giving Katherine approval power. The judge has said he wants the executors to keep Katherine in the loop about decisions being brought before the court.
12:47 PM ET -- Katherine's lawyer is now asking the judge if she can have approval rights before executors make financial decisions with respect to the estate.
12:41 PM ET -- The lawyer for Branca and McClain is talking about the possibility of "extreme loss" to the estate -- as a result of "unlicensed activities." One of the lawyers is talking about the complicated issues involving money with AEG, the tour, merchandise, ticket refunds, pay-per-view, etc.
12:36 PM ET -- And we're back on the record ...
12:28 PM ET -- The judge has ordered a 10-minute recess.
12:19 PM ET -- Bond has been set at $1 million. That is to protect the estate in the event the administrators waste or misspend assets.
12:14 PM ET -- Branca and McClain have just been appointed the special administrators of Michael Jackson's estate. The judge feels Jackson's 2002 will should be controlling.
12:09 PM ET -- The judge just said he may appoint an independent lawyer for the kids.
12:06 PM ET -- The lawyer for the named co-executors says he has a letter from Michael Jackson stating he wanted Branca to be in control of his affairs. The letter was dated June 17, 2009, 8 days before Jackson died.
12:00 PM ET -- It appears there is some contentiousness -- the judge said if the two sides continue to squabble, he'll appoint an independent special administrator to temporarily oversee the estate.
11:58 AM ET -- There is a "no-contest" clause in the trust, that distributes Jackson's money. As we reported, 40% goes to the kids, 40% goes to Katherine and 20% goes to children's charities. A no-contest clause means if someone challenges the will or trust they automatically inherit nothing.
11:55 AM ET -- Katherine's lawyer said Katherine was concerned about Branca's relationship with the singer before he died. Branca had rejoined Jackson just weeks before his death.
11:53 AM ET -- Katherine's lawyer is raising questions about the 2002 will, but just said Joe and Katherine will not challenge the will at this time.
11:49 AM ET -- Katherine expressed concern over beneficiaries mentioned in the trust.
11:45 AM ET -- Katherine Jackson has filed a new opposition.
11:40 AM ET -- Attorneys representing various creditors are in the courtroom in addition to Jackson's executors. Also present -- famed attorney Howard Weitzman, who will be working on probating the will and dealing with people making claims against the estate.
