Michael Jackson‘s estate has objected to Paris Jackson‘s request for more than $1.16 million in legal fees following her successful challenge to $625,000 in bonus payments made to attorneys working for her late father’s estate.According to court documents reported by TMZ, estate executor John Branca filed an objection on Monday to Paris’ request for $1,165,481.90 in legal fees, arguing that the amount is excessive. The estate has not disputed that Paris is entitled to reasonable legal fees related to the benefit secured for the estate, but argues that her latest request includes work unrelated to the matter in which she prevailed.
Why Paris Jackson is seeking legal fees
Paris has been involved in a long-running dispute with the executors of Michael Jackson’s estate, John Branca and John McClain, over the management of the estate and payments made to outside attorneys.In April 2026, a court ruled that $625,000 in bonus payments made to third-party law firms in 2018 were disallowed and ordered the money to be returned to the estate. The ruling also allowed Paris to seek reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs for her efforts in securing that benefit for the estate.The payments were made to outside law firms rather than to Branca or McClain personally. The estate’s representatives have maintained that the executors have always understood that legal fees are subject to court approval.
Estate disputes amount of Paris’ legal bill
In its latest objection, the estate argues that Paris’ $1.16 million request goes beyond the legal work directly connected to the $625,000 dispute.Branca’s filing also challenges the amount of financial benefit Paris says she secured for the estate, arguing that some of the funds included in her calculation had already been voluntarily returned.The estate’s position, according to the filing, is that Paris should be compensated for legal work connected to the issues on which she prevailed and for the benefits actually obtained for the estate’s beneficiaries.The court has yet to determine the final amount of legal fees Paris will receive.
What the earlier ruling said
The April ruling marked a significant development in Paris’ dispute with the estate’s executors. The court ordered the $625,000 in 2018 bonus payments to be returned and also imposed additional requirements concerning future bonus payments to outside counsel.The ruling also praised Branca and McClain’s management of the estate, noting their role in transforming its financial position following Michael Jackson’s death in 2009.Paris’ representatives, meanwhile, described the decision as a victory for the Jackson family and said it would bring greater transparency and accountability to the estate.
Paris Jackson’s wider dispute with the estate
Paris’ legal battle with the executors has extended beyond the $625,000 in disputed bonuses. She has raised broader concerns about the way the estate’s money is managed and has sought greater financial transparency.The executors have disputed her characterization of their management of the estate and have emphasized their role in rebuilding its finances.A 2024 court filing by Branca and McClain stated that Michael Jackson’s estate was more than $500 million in debt when the singer died in 2009. The executors have said their efforts have helped substantially improve the estate’s financial position.
