Paris Jackson Seeks $600 Million for Michael Jackson Family Trust
More than 17 years after Michael Jackson's death, his children are still waiting for the family trust he set up for them to be funded, and his daughter Paris Jackson is now asking a court to step in.
Paris Jackson, 28, has asked a Los Angeles court to order the release of about $600 million from her late father's estate into the Michael Jackson Family Trust for herself and her brothers, Prince and Bigi Jackson.
What Paris Jackson Is Asking For
In a petition filed Oct. 29, Paris Jackson argues that the trust "remains unfunded" more than 17 years after the King of Pop died, even though the estate "has generated billions of dollars," according to Business Today, citing the Daily Mail.
Under the trust's terms, each child was supposed to begin receiving income from their share at age 21, with one-third of the principal at 30, half of the remainder at 35 and the rest at 40. Paris Jackson says that has not happened, and that the siblings have instead received smaller amounts set by executor John Branca.
Prince turns 30 in about four months, Paris turns 29 in April, and Bigi turns 25 in February.
Paris Jackson is asking for a partial distribution, arguing it is manageable given the estate's recent deals and property sales, according to The Spokesman-Review, which cited a filing obtained by People.
Big Deals, but No Trust Funding
The petition points to several major sales. In 2018, the estate sold its 10% interest in EMI Music Publishing to Sony for $287.5 million. In 2020, it sold Neverland Ranch for $22 million. In 2023, it struck a deal with Sony involving Michael Jackson's music catalog and other intellectual property.
The executors have valued the estate at $2 billion to $3 billion, and as of December 2024, it reportedly held about $850 million in cash and cash equivalents. Paris Jackson estimates about $600 million remains available after potential liabilities.
Her lawyers also accuse Branca of keeping an "iron grip" over the estate and claim payments to the siblings were cut by millions after she filed earlier legal challenges. She has also asked the court to reduce Branca's compensation, accusing him of missing deadlines for financial reports.
The Estate Pushes Back
The estate says it cannot fully fund the trust until several legal matters are resolved, including ongoing IRS litigation over $700 million in taxes and penalties. "The Estate was able to secure a ruling to significantly reduce that amount," it said, but added that the matter "has not been settled and could still change."
A spokesman called the claim that the executor withheld or cut payments "a complete fabrication," and said more than $200 million has already been distributed for the benefit of Paris Jackson and the other beneficiaries.
"Michael Jackson's will is clear. None of his children receive a distribution until they are in their 30s," the estate said.
Paris Jackson's spokesperson fired back: "The Estate is once again deflecting from its own incompetence."
A Long-Running Family Battle
The petition is the latest chapter in Paris Jackson's ongoing legal fight with her father's estate. Earlier this year, she scored a major win against the estate in court.
Branca and music executive John McClain were named co-executors shortly after Michael Jackson's death. McClain died in May 2026, leaving Branca as the sole executor.
Michael Jackson died June 25, 2009, at age 50, from an accidental propofol overdose at his rented Los Angeles mansion.
The court is scheduled to hear the matter on Dec. 4, when a judge could decide whether any of the money will finally be moved into the trust.
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