Jackson Had Long History With Estate Executor

LINDA DEUTSCH

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A week after Michael Jackson died, his longtime lawyer and friend, John Branca, was summoned to meet with the singer's family. He carried the pop star's will, and with it, an answer to their eagerly awaited question:

Who was to benefit from the King of Pop's estate?

"It was very difficult," Branca recalled. "There were a lot of family members there, his sisters and most of the brothers and his mother, Katherine."

He told them three things. Katherine would be guardian of Michael's three children and receive 40 percent of the estate in trust. The children would also receive 40 percent. The remaining 20 percent would go to unspecified charities to benefit children.

Their reaction would seem to bode well for the days to come.

"Actually, they applauded three times when they were told who got the property," Branca said. "They were thrilled."

It is one reason why Branca, one of two special administrators named in that same will, says he's surprised by the opposition that followed from lawyers representing Mrs. Jackson.