Diana Ross named guardian in Jackson will

Thursday, 2 July 2009

Michael Jackson named Diana Ross as a potential legal guardian of his children.

The pop legend - who died last Thursday (25.06.09) after a suspected cardiac arrest - stated in his will he wanted the singer to care for Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II if his elderly mother Katherine couldn't do it.

The will - which was drawn up in July 2002 - read: "If any of my children are minors at the time of my death, I nominate my mother, Katherine Jackson, as guardian of the persons and estates of such minor children.

"If Katherine Jackson fails to survive me, or is unable or unwilling to act as a guardian, I nominate Diana Ross as guardian of the persons and estates of such minor children."

Michael and Diana were very close and the Motown star was a huge influence on the 'Thriller' singer's career.

After his death Diana, 65, said: "I can't stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am praying for his kids and family."

In the will - which valued Michael's estate at $500 million - the 50-year-old star specifically cut ex-wife Debbie Rowe, mother of his two eldest children, out of any share of his cash or possessions.

In the five-page document, which was filed yesterday (01.07.09) at a Los Angeles court, Michael states: "I declare that I am not married. My marriage has been dissolved.
"I have intentionally omitted to provide for my former wife, Deborah Jean Rowe Jackson."
Although there was no mention of his father Joe Jackson he wasn't intentionally omitted.

The will leaves Michael's entire estate to the Michael Jackson Family Trust, which provides for his children and mother and supports charities.

As well as remaining in temporary control of his estate, Katherine has also been granted limited control of 2,000 items from Michael's Neverland ranch until the next court hearing on Monday (06.07.09).

The items in question had been set to go up for auction earlier this year by Michael's lawyer John Branca and John McClain, a music executive and a family friend but the sale was stopped after Michael sued.

Yesterday Branca asked the judge to immediately remove Katherine as Special Administrator of Michael's estate and also accused her legal representatives of intentionally misleading the court about the existence of a will.

He claims he showed Katherine her son's will on June 29 but her lawyers filed her petition to be put in charge of the estate along with the claim that Michael died without a will.

There are also claims a second will exists but they have been denied.