Paris Jackson has asked a Los Angeles probate court to order a $600 million transfer from her late father Michael Jackson’s estate into a family trust intended to benefit her and her two brothers.
The petition, filed on October 29, 2026, argues that the Michael Jackson Family Trust has remained unfunded for more than 17 years, even as the estate has generated substantial revenue from music, licensing and other business interests.
Jackson’s request marks the latest escalation in a long-running dispute over how the estate is being managed and when the beneficiaries should receive assets held outside the trust.
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What Paris Jackson is asking the court to do
Paris Jackson is asking the court to authorize a preliminary distribution of $600 million, or another amount the judge considers appropriate, from the estate to the family trust.
The trust was established to benefit Jackson’s children, including Paris, Prince Jackson and Bigi Jackson.
The estate’s original probate documents identify the family trust as the principal beneficiary under Michael Jackson’s will.
Jackson’s filing reportedly relies on estate accounting showing approximately $850 million in cash and cash-equivalent assets as of December 2024.
Her legal team argues that about $600 million could be transferred after accounting for potential liabilities and unresolved obligations.
Why the trust has not been funded
The estate has previously maintained that tax disputes, pending litigation and other unresolved matters must be addressed before assets can be transferred from the estate into the trust.
A California appellate court decision concerning the estate noted that assets had not been distributed to the trust because of an Internal Revenue Service dispute and other litigation.
The court also described the estate as remaining subject to probate-court supervision.
The tax dispute has involved disagreements over the value of Michael Jackson’s estate and the value assigned to his name, image and likeness for estate-tax purposes.
Those issues have helped keep the probate administration open long after Jackson’s death on June 25, 2009.
The estate’s position is that releasing a large sum before all liabilities are resolved could create financial and legal complications.
Dispute with the estate’s executor
The filing adds to Paris Jackson’s broader challenge to the estate’s administration and the compensation paid to its managers.
John Branca, who has served as an executor of Michael Jackson’s estate since shortly after the singer’s death, is among the estate figures facing criticism from Jackson’s legal team.
Jackson has questioned the timing of financial disclosures, the handling of estate expenses and payments made to lawyers and other professionals.
In a separate 2026 dispute, a Los Angeles judge ordered $625,000 in payments returned to the estate after finding they had not been shown to be just and reasonable on the information presented to the court.
The ruling was described by Jackson’s lawyers as a significant victory in their effort to obtain greater scrutiny of estate spending.
Jackson has also sought changes to the compensation structure for estate management while asking for more complete financial records.
What happens next
The Los Angeles probate court will have to determine whether a distribution can be made while tax questions and other estate matters remain unresolved.
A judge could approve the requested $600 million transfer, order a smaller distribution or reject the request.
The court may also require additional accounting evidence before deciding how much money can safely be moved into the trust.
Reports on the filing identify December 4, 2026, as the scheduled date for a hearing connected to the latest estate dispute, although the court’s eventual order will control the timeline.
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| June 25, 2009 | Michael Jackson dies in Los Angeles. |
| October 29, 2026 | Paris Jackson files a petition seeking a $600 million transfer to the family trust. |
| December 4, 2026 | A reported hearing date for the latest dispute involving the estate. |
Why the request matters
The petition could affect how the estate distributes money to Michael Jackson’s children and how much control beneficiaries have over the estate’s administration.
A court-ordered transfer would not necessarily close the probate case or resolve the separate tax and litigation issues surrounding the estate.
It could, however, establish a timetable for moving a substantial portion of the estate’s liquid assets into the trust.
The dispute also highlights the unusual length and complexity of Michael Jackson’s probate administration, which has continued through business transactions, tax litigation and disputes over professional fees.
For Paris Jackson, the latest filing is part of an effort to obtain both access to trust assets and greater transparency over the financial decisions made on behalf of the estate.
No final decision on the requested $600 million transfer had been announced as of Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paris Jackson asking for?
She is asking a Los Angeles probate court to order a $600 million transfer from Michael Jackson’s estate to the Michael Jackson Family Trust.
Who would benefit from the trust?
The trust was established for Michael Jackson’s children, including Paris Jackson, Prince Jackson and Bigi Jackson.
Why has the trust not been funded?
The estate has cited an unresolved IRS dispute, pending litigation and other liabilities as reasons assets have not been transferred.
When was the petition filed?
Paris Jackson filed the latest petition on October 29, 2026.
When will the court consider the request?
Reports identify December 4, 2026, as a hearing date connected to the latest dispute, but the court’s order will determine what happens next.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, amounts and the trust’s status were checked against available court records and primary legal information.
Disclaimer: The $600 million request is a pending court application and does not mean that the court has approved a distribution.