Michael Jackson's 7-year-old will was filed Wednesday in a Los Angeles court, giving his entire estate to a family trust but cutting out his former wife Debbie Rowe.
The will, dated July 7, 2002, estimated his estate at that time at more than $500 million.
It gives the entire estate to the Michael Jackson Family Trust.
The documents said Jackson's estate consisted almost entirely of "non-cash, non-liquid assets, including primarily an interest in a catalogue of music royalty rights which is currently being administered by Sony ATV, and the interests of various entities."
His mother, Katherine Jackson, is named as a beneficiary of the trust and the guardian of Jackson's three young children, who are named in the will.
The will names Diana Ross as a successor trustee to Jackson's mother if necessary.
Meanwhile, CBS News has learned that Jackson will not be buried at Neverland Ranch. Billionaire owner Thomas Barrack couldn't obtain the required permits.
There also will be no public viewing of the singer’s body at the ranch.
Authorities in Santa Barbara County had been preparing for tens of thousands of fans to descend on the 2,500-acre ranch after media reports that a public viewing would take place later this week.
But a source close to the situation, who is not authorized to speak for the family and requested anonymity, told the Associated Press that nothing is planned for Neverland at least through Friday.
The person said it appears more likely a funeral and burial will take place in Los Angeles. The family has the final say.
At once a symbol of Jackson's success and excesses, Neverland - nestled in the hills of Santa Barbara County's wine country - became the site of a makeshift memorial after his death Thursday.
Asked about the possibility that Jackson could be cremated and the remains brought to the ranch, the person said, "That's not the plan."
WWJ Newsradio 950 is Detroit's only all-news radio station and is the leader in Detroit radio news. Listen online to WWJ-AM 950 for live, local Detroit news, up-to-the-minute Detroit traffic, Detroit sports, Detroit business and Detroit community information. WWJ Newsradio 950 is an award winning radio station and you can listen online and podcast on demand Detroit news, Detroit Construction Alerts, Detroit School Closings, Winter Survival Guide and learn more about our Business Breakfasts. www.wwj.com.
E-Mail Story
Print Story
