Paris Jackson has filed a court petition accusing the executors of her father Michael Jackson’s estate of failing to fund a family trust meant to benefit his three children, Prince, Paris, and Bigi. The petition, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on October 29, requests the immediate transfer of $600 million to the trust, alleging the funds are overdue under the terms of Michael Jackson’s estate plan.
Court filing alleges 17-year delay in trust funding
Paris Jackson’s petition states that the trust, established to provide for Michael Jackson’s children, remains unfunded despite the estate generating significant revenue since his death in June 2009. The filing claims the executors, including John Branca, were tasked in 2011 with petitioning to begin funding the trust but have not done so. The petition argues that Prince, Paris, and Bigi were to receive income from the trust starting at age 21, with principal distributions beginning at age 30.
Trust terms and beneficiaries’ ages
According to the petition, Michael Jackson’s trust was structured to distribute funds in stages: income payments starting at age 21, followed by one-third of the principal at age 30, half of the remaining share at age 35, and the final balance at age 40. Prince Jackson, 29, is set to turn 30 in four months, while Paris Jackson, 28, and Bigi Jackson, 24, are approaching their respective milestones. The petition alleges that the executors have maintained control over distributions, limiting the beneficiaries’ access to their inheritance.
Executors’ response pending
Attorneys for the estate’s executors, including John Branca, have not responded to requests for comment as of the latest filing. The estate’s co-executors, Branca and John McClain, were appointed following Michael Jackson’s death. McClain passed away in May 2026, leaving Branca as the sole remaining executor.
Background on the estate’s financial activity
The petition notes that the estate began generating liquidity in 2011, including the sale of Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. Despite this, the family trust remains unfunded, according to the filing. Paris Jackson’s legal action seeks to enforce the terms of the trust and ensure the beneficiaries receive their designated distributions.
Legal and financial implications
The court filing raises questions about the administration of Michael Jackson’s estate and the oversight of its executors. The petition does not specify how the requested $600 million figure was calculated but emphasizes the alleged breach of the trust’s terms. Legal experts suggest the case could hinge on the interpretation of the trust’s original provisions and the executors’ fiduciary duties.