Paris Jackson Disputes Legal Fees in Father’s Estate
Daughter questions “premium payments” to estate lawyers
Paris Jackson has reignited a dispute over the administration of her father Michael Jackson’s vast estate. She is challenging substantial “premium payments” allocated to the legal team managing the late singer’s assets.
Objection Filed Over Lawyer Compensation
According to reports, Paris Jackson recently lodged a judicial objection concerning alleged direct payments made to the estate, from which she is a creditor. These payments are reportedly fees for the executors of the estate, lawyers John Branca and John McClain.
Estate Lawyers Justify “Premium Payments”
In response to Paris Jackson‘s concerns, the estate’s official documents have clarified the nature of these remunerations. The estate stated that the payments were compensation for the lawyers’ extensive “experience, negotiation skills, relationships and knowledge of entertainment.” These legal professionals are credited with securing significant financial returns, including a reported $287 million profit from an EMI investment.
“It is not unusual, and in fact it is quite common, in the business of entertainment or music that lawyers with the level of skills, experience and relationships of lords Weitzman and Katz receive additional compensation to their payment of fees per hour.”
—Michael Jackson Estate Document
The estate further emphasized that such compensation structures are standard practice within the entertainment and music industries. The payments were deemed “deserved and reasonable given the nature and difficulty of the tasks performed, the results obtained and the unprecedented benefit of the services.”
Timeline of the Dispute
Paris Jackson formally submitted her objection on June 24, 2025, arguing that the “premium payments” should be disallowed due to a perceived lack of recorded work hours from the lawyers. This follows a 2018 request by the estate’s executors for approval of $625,000 in payments to three law firms.
Legal experts note that disputes over large estate management fees are not uncommon. For instance, the estate of another music icon, Elvis Presley, saw legal battles over management fees, highlighting the complexities of settling such estates. Billboard reported in 2023 on ongoing complexities surrounding the Presley estate.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Paris Jackson has not yet publicly commented on the estate’s detailed response. A hearing on the matter is anticipated to take place on July 15.
