" THE EVIDENCE FOR A NEW DIRECTION " KATHERINE JACKSON'S BATTLE

"EVIDENCE FOR A NEW DIRECTION"

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) --
Katherine Jackson's battle for control of her pop star son's estate is about to take a "new direction" based on "new evidence" uncovered by the family,
a Jackson family lawyer said. Katherine Jackson,
with Michael in 2005, is challenging the appointment
of Michael's estate trustees.

The revelation came from attorney Londell McMillan,
who also corrected a report that he was one of the
lawyers Katherine Jackson replaced Thursday.

McMillan pointed to questions about the
authenticity of the signature on Michael
Jackson's will as reported this week by
celebrity gossip Web site TMZ.

Randy Jackson said his brother could not have
signed the will -- which was dated July 7, 2002,
in Los Angeles -- because he was in New York that
day, according to the TMZ report.

Until now, the Jacksons have not challenged
the will's authenticity in court. Katherine
Jackson's objections, instead, have centered
on what her lawyers said were possible conflicts
of interest by the two men named in the will as
executors. She replaced the two lawyers who were
handling the probate case Thursday with Adam
Streisand, an estate litigation lawyer whose past
clients have included the estates of Marlon
Brando and Ray Charles.

"The case is now moving in a different direction,
and the family thought it was best to bring on
Adam Streisand's law firm," McMillan said.

"The evidence precipitated the change and
the need to take it in a new direction."
Contrary to statements made at court Thursday,
McMillan was not one of the lawyers replaced,
Katherine Jackson said Friday.

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"Londell McMillan remains my personal
attorney and counsel, " she said in a
written statement.

"Despite false reports, he was never replaced
or terminated. "The Jackson estate is currently
controlled by John Branca and John McClain,
who would become permanent executors unless
Jackson'swill is challenged.

Katherine Jackson's legal team has asked
thata member of the Jackson family "have
a seat at the table" as a third executor.

Under the 2002 will, Michael Jackson's
three children and his mother are the chief
beneficiaries of his estate, while unnamed
charities will share in 20 percent of the
wealth.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/10/23/michael.jackson.estate/