This whole thing is driving me crazy. I really don't know what to think, I don't like what any of the sides are doing.
I won't say anything about the family because it's been discussed so much already.
But on the other hand, I don't like how the judge just approved Branca & McClain's motion without any serious discussions, without a lawyer for the other party being present. The judge could have easily allowed some time for the new lawyer to come up with his arguments, it's not like the estate would have suffered some irreparable harm if this decision is delayed by a week or so. Especially in a situation where the will could be invalid. [well, that was one of the judge's complaint on thrusday. The Jacksons keep complaining and state they will challenge the execs, but THEY STILL HAVEN'T filed the papers in court. It is all a public opinion-media game to get the execs to willingly give them a seat. They still haven't challenge the will, nor the executors. Why? We can all assume they do not have a strong case. They have been talking, threatening to file a challenge since july] I know that no such arguments were formally presented in court, but still. Maybe I'm just influenced by the fact that in my country, a will with a "mistake' like that would be thrown out of court without any further questions asked. [Nope, they don't get thrown out unless there is strong reason to. A WITNESS writing the wrong city is not reason enough] I understand it works different in the US, but this still bothers me. For all we know, some concerns of the family could be legitimate, despite everything that's said about them. I'm all for keeping Branca & co as executors, but they shouln't be left uncontrolled.
Does anyone know exactly what new powers the executors got with this new court decision? [New powers were given on October 2nd...they went back to have all that was said on the 2nd in WRITING. This wasn't a new motion. And Katherine's Lawyer Levitch was in court on October 2nd representing her.] The news articles only say they will be able to make "day-to-day" decisions on their own and only go to court for approval concerning the "biggest decisions" (per TMZ) but what exactly does that mean? What is considered a big decision? [yes, that is considered day to day..BUT if Katherine or the kids' lawyer have an objection about any of the deals, they go back in court to get the judge's approval] So far, the
executors asked for approval on deals like the Moonwalker book or the AEG/Sony movie deal and the memorabilia deal, are these considered day-to-day or big decisions? If the new ruling means they no longer have to seek approval for deals like this, then I'm concerned. If someone here has a legal background and could clear that up, I'd really
appreciate that, because this motion/ruling doesn't seem to be available on the net.
I'm asking this because While all this hoopla about the will is going on, the executors are negotiating some really significant deals that will have long term effects, ie. they're negotiating with Sony about the rights to the unrealeased masters, and the negotiations are supposed to be in the final stages. Also, wasn't it mentioned in one documentary that Sony/ATV is up for renewal in September of this year? I'm not sure what that means to be honest, but if that's so, who's negotiating that and what exactly are they negotiating? The debts will also have to be refinanced in 2010, I assume around March/May, which is not that far away, so surely there are already plans/negotiations about that. All these issues are really significant and I sure hope they are not considered day-to-day decisions that the executors can make without court approval while negotiating with the family, otherwise the executors are in a position to drag out the negotiations and set things in stone before the family has any say.
I truly hope that the executors are 100% representing Michael's interests and makeing the best deals possible, but it would be great if someone more knowledgable than me could explain what powers they have exactly.