The Last Will and Testament of Pop Star Michael Joseph Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson, the legendary King of Pop who won over 208 awards despite a less-than-easy life often marked by extreme internal and external emotional turmoil, passed away on June 25, 2009 in his rented mansion at 100 North Carolwood Drive in the Holmby Hills district of Los Angeles.

The Last Will of Michael Joseph Jackson was executed in Los Angeles on July 7, 2002, about four months after the birth of Michael Jackson’s youngest child. Michael Jackson’s Will, which you can download here, was signed in 2002 and stipulates the following:

Michael Jackson’s Will – Assets

Michael Jackson’s Will stipulates that the performer’s assets are to be placed the Michael Jackson Family Trust.

Michael Jackson’s Will – Beneficiaries

Michael Jackson’s Will stipulates that the performer’s assets are to be placed the Michael Jackson Family Trust. A court filing indicates that the beneficiares of the Michael Jackson Family Trust are limited to the pop star’s children and mother Katherine. Six other relatives, including the three sons of Michael Jackson’s brother Tito, are named as “contingent remainder beneficiaries” who would share the estate in the event that Michael Jackson’s principal beneficiaries died before he did.

Michael Jackson’s Will makes no provision for bequests to Michael Jackson’s father or any of his eight siblings

Michael Jackson’s Will – Offspring

Michael Jackson’s Will stipulates that the singer’s mother be appointed the guardian of his three offspring. In the case that Michael Jackson’s mother were to predecease him (or was unable or unwilling to serve as guardian), Michael Jackson stipulated that singer Diana Ross should be appointed guardian of his minor children.

Michael Jackson’s Will – Executors

Michael Jackson’s Will stipulates three executors, including lawyer John Branca and music industry executive John McClain.

Branca and McClain believe that the value of Jackson’s estate “exceeds $500 million” and consists of “non-cash, non-liquid assets,” including Michael Jackson’s share of lucrative music royalty rights.