3 November 2026

Paris Jackson Seeks $600 Million From Her Father's Estate

Paris Jackson has asked a Los Angeles judge to order a preliminary distribution of $600 million from her late father Michael Jackson's estate to the Michael Jackson Family Trust. The petition, filed on 29 October in Los Angeles Superior Court, argues the trust remains unfunded more than 17 years after Michael Jackson died on 25 June 2009, aged 50.

Who the trust is for

Prince, Paris and Bigi — the Three Children

The trust was established to provide for Michael Jackson's three children: Prince, 29, Paris, 28, and Bigi, 24. Under the terms described in the filing, the siblings were meant to begin receiving income from their shares at 21, with one-third of the principal at 30, half of the remainder at 35 and the balance at 40.

Why she says the money is there

Billions Earned, $850 Million in Cash, She Argues

Paris argues the estate has generated billions of dollars since her father's death and can fund the trust while covering its obligations. The filing points to an estate accounting showing about $850 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 2024, leaving roughly $600 million available after liabilities, by her estimate.

The deals behind the claim

EMI, Neverland and a Sony Deal Cited in the Filing

The filing cites the estate's 2018 sale of its interest in EMI Music Publishing for $287.5 million, the 2020 sale of Neverland Ranch for $22 million, and a 2023 deal with Sony over Michael Jackson's music and other intellectual-property assets. Together, the filing says, those transactions generated more than $1 billion in cash before taxes and expenses.

Her central allegation

“Iron Grip” Over the Children's Money, She Alleges

The petition takes aim at executor John Branca, alleging he maintains an “iron grip” over the siblings by controlling when and how much money they receive. Paris alleges the income at 21 never arrived as intended, that smaller amounts are instead set by Branca, and that her challenges to his administration were met with litigation, public attacks and a multimillion-dollar reduction in support.

The estate's reply

Estate: Legal Hurdles Must Clear First

The Michael Jackson Estate told Page Six and PEOPLE it cannot fully fund the trusts until several legal matters are resolved, including ongoing IRS litigation in which $700 million in taxes and penalties was sought. It called the claim that payments were withheld or cut “a complete fabrication”, said more than $200 million has already been distributed for the beneficiaries, and said that under Michael's will none of his children receives a distribution until their 30s.

Paris's response, and what happens next

Her Team Disputes the Answer; a December Hearing

A spokesperson for Paris told PEOPLE the estate was “deflecting from its own incompetence” and that Branca had the ability and obligation to partially fund the trust long ago. PEOPLE reports the request is scheduled to be heard on 4 December. Paris is asking for $600 million, or whatever amount the judge determines is appropriate, plus her legal fees and costs.

What is not decided

A Petition, Not a Court Order — Yet

Nothing here is a decided outcome: the $600 million is what Paris Jackson's petition asks a judge to order, the estate disputes her central claims, and the hearing is still to come. Tap below for more VisitBest web stories.