Katherine Jackson challenges estate

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff ruled that Katherine Jackson, mother of pop sensation Michael Jackson, could challenge the two men overseeing her son's estate. Michael entrusted run of his estate to John McClain, his music executive, and John Branca, his longtime attorney.

Mrs. Jackson wanted to ensure that she was not in violation of a "no contest" clause on the family trust before following through with the challenge. The trust will provide the late Michael Jackson's children and mother with 40 percent of the estate. It is said that the estate is worth more than $400 million, close to what Michael Jackson owed in debt.

McClain and Branca are confident with licensing deals and album sales they will be able to enhance the estate to $200 million. Beckloff noted some of the Jackson matriarch's concerns, such as whether there was some unwarranted influences when he signed his will in 2002.

L. Londell McMillian, Katherine Jackson's attorney, told Associated Press in an email, "We now hope to resolve the outstanding administration matter, without further costly litigation, in the best interests of the beneficiaries which are Mrs. Jackson and her grandchildren."