More than 17 years after Michael Jackson’s death, a fresh legal dispute has emerged over the late pop legend’s fortune. His daughter, Paris Jackson, has asked a Los Angeles court to order the transfer of approximately $600 million into a family trust established for Michael’s children.
The 28-year-old singer and model filed the petition on October 29, 2026, arguing that the trust intended to benefit her and her brothers, Prince and Bigi Jackson, remains unfunded despite the estate generating substantial revenue over the years.
Why Is Paris Jackson Taking Legal Action?
According to court documents, Paris believes the estate has had sufficient funds to make a substantial transfer to the Michael Jackson Family Trust.
Her legal team points to major business transactions involving her father’s assets, including music publishing rights, the sale of Neverland Ranch and a lucrative agreement with Sony.
The filing claims that the estate held approximately $850 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of 2024, with around $600 million potentially available for distribution after accounting for financial obligations.
Importantly, Paris is not seeking a personal payment of $600 million. She wants the money transferred into the family trust established to provide for Michael Jackson’s beneficiaries.
She has also questioned why the trust has not been funded more than 17 years after her father’s passing in June 2009.
Michael Jackson’s Estate Responds to the Allegations
The estate has strongly disputed Paris Jackson’s claims.
Representatives maintain that unresolved legal matters, particularly an ongoing tax dispute with the Internal Revenue Service, have prevented the trusts from being fully funded.
The estate says the IRS originally sought approximately $700 million in taxes and penalties. Although that amount has been significantly reduced through legal proceedings, the dispute has not been completely resolved.
It has also denied allegations that payments to Michael Jackson’s children were deliberately withheld or reduced, stating that more than $200 million has already been distributed for the benefit of Paris and other beneficiaries.
What Happens Next?
The latest petition adds another chapter to the continuing disagreements over the management of Michael Jackson’s estate.
Paris has previously challenged certain financial decisions made by the estate’s administrators, including payments to outside legal firms.
A Los Angeles court hearing is scheduled for December 4, 2026, when the judge is expected to consider her request.
For now, the disagreement centres on when Michael Jackson’s children should receive the inheritance arrangements established by their father and whether the estate can make a substantial distribution while outstanding legal matters remain unresolved.
The court has not yet ruled on Paris Jackson’s latest request.
