Paris Jackson just filed legal papers in LA asking for a $600 million payout from her dad’s estate into the family trust. She says even though Michael Jackson’s music and image have brought in billions since he died, his kids still aren’t getting full access to their inheritance because the executor, John Branca, is keeping too tight of a grip on the money.

The legal filing, reported by Page Six, seeks a preliminary transfer of $600 million to the Michael Jackson Family Trust, which benefits Paris and her brothers, Prince Jackson, 29, and Bigi Jackson, 24.

The dispute comes more than 17 years after Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at age 50.

Paris Jackson Questions Delays in Family Trust Distributions

At the center of the dispute is Paris Jackson’s claim that the estate has accumulated substantial financial resources without transferring sufficient assets into the trust established for the beneficiaries.

Based on the petition, the estate of Michael Jackson was said to have earned gross earnings exceeding $2.5 billion up until December 2024, and had cash and cash equivalents valued at $850 million by then.

Paris argues that roughly $600 million could be distributed after accounting for potential liabilities and outstanding financial obligations.

Her filing also challenges how Branca, who has been associated with Michael Jackson’s business affairs since 1985, has managed payments to the beneficiaries.

Under the inheritance arrangements described in the petition, Michael Jackson’s children were expected to begin receiving income from their respective trust shares at age 21.

The filing alleges that those distributions have not occurred as intended, with the siblings instead receiving amounts determined by the executor.

Paris further claims that Branca has used his control over payments to discourage scrutiny of the estate’s financial administration.

She alleges that after raising concerns about certain payments to estate associates, she encountered aggressive litigation and reductions in financial support.

Michael Jackson Estate Rejects Allegations, Cites IRS Litigation

Representatives of Michael Jackson’s estate have disputed the allegations, maintaining that unresolved legal and tax matters prevent the full distribution of assets.

In a statement an estate spokesperson said the administration remains affected by ongoing litigation involving the Internal Revenue Service, which initially sought approximately $700 million in taxes and penalties.

Although the estate obtained a ruling that substantially reduced the disputed amount, the spokesperson said the matter remains unresolved and could change.

The estate also rejected allegations that Branca deliberately reduced or withheld payments, describing those claims as “a complete fabrication.”

According to the spokesperson, more than $200 million has already been distributed to or for the benefit of Paris and other beneficiaries.

The estate maintains that it intends to complete funding of the family trusts and charitable foundation once the outstanding legal issues are resolved.

Billion-Dollar Asset Sales Become Central to Dispute

Paris Jackson’s petition highlights several major transactions that she argues demonstrate the estate’s financial capacity to make substantial distributions.

These include the 2018 sale of the estate’s approximately 10% interest in EMI Music Publishing to Sony for $287.5 million and the sale of Neverland Ranch in 2020 for $22 million.

The filing also references a 2023 agreement under which Sony agreed to pay $750 million upfront for a 50% interest in the estate’s remaining intellectual property assets.

Together, the transactions generated more than $1 billion before taxes and expenses, according to the petition.

Paris contends that these proceeds, alongside other accumulated estate earnings, provide sufficient financial flexibility to fund the family trust while retaining money for unresolved obligations.

The estate, however, argues that its financial position cannot be assessed independently of the continuing legal and tax disputes.

What Michael Jackson’s Will Says About His Children’s Inheritance

The petition also outlines the distribution schedule Michael Jackson established for his children.

Under those arrangements, each beneficiary was intended to receive one-third of the principal in their respective trust at age 30, half of the remaining share at 35, and the final balance at 40.

Prince Jackson is due to turn 30 in early 2027, making the timing of trust funding particularly significant.

Paris will turn 29 in April 2027, while Bigi will turn 25 in February.

The filing argues that continued delays could interfere with the inheritance schedule established by their father.

Paris is asking the court to direct Branca to transfer $600 million into the family trust, or another amount the judge considers appropriate. She is also seeking reimbursement of legal fees and associated costs from estate assets.

A hearing is scheduled for December 2026.

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