MICHAEL JACKSON’s mother has been given permission to challenge the executors of the King of Pop’s estate without jeopardising her position as a will beneficiary.

The superstar appointed attorney John Branca and business associate John McCain to take charge of his affairs, while his mum Katherine Jackson was left 40 per cent of the net value of his assets.

Since Jackson’s death in June (09), Katherine has reportedly been fighting to have a say in all decisions regarding her late son’s estate.

The conditions of the will stipulate the Jackson matriarch risks losing her share of the singer’s fortune if she attempts to challenge the appointment of the executors to gain more control over his affairs.

A lawyer for the star’s mother has previously denied the 79 year old is looking to contest her son’s will, saying: “Despite false reports, neither Mrs. Jackson nor any of her lawyers has or will be contesting the will. Nor has she decided whether or not to raise any challenge to the appointment of the executors named in the will or whether to seek the appointment of an additional co-executor. Her top priority remains the care of her son’s three children.”

However, a probate judge ruled on Friday (18Sep09) that Katherine is allowed to challenge Branca and McCain’s appointment on the grounds of “undue influence”, should she choose to - and still remain a beneficiary, reports TMZ.com.

The court decision comes just one day after the star’s mother landed a monthly allowance of $86,000 (£57,300) to cover living expenses for her and those of the singer’s three children, who she was given guardianship of in July (09). (MT/WNWCZM/MT)

IANS-WENN