Battle still rages over Michael Jackson's estate

By Eriq Gardner

The fallout from Michael Jackson's death continues today in Los Angeles Superior Court as a judge considers Katherine Jackson's request to become "Guardian of the Estate" of her late son. 

THR's Roger Friedman posted some of the details of Katherine Jackson's request last week, including her desire to get hands on Michael Jackson's contract with AEG Live.

Katherine Jackson had previously asked Judge Mitchell Beckloff to appoint a special administrator for the estate, before attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain showed up with a copy of Michael Jackson's will appointing them authorities. Now the mother wants the judge to order Branca and McClain to answer questions under oath and determine whether they are "fit and able" to administer the estate. She's apparently peeved at not being included in dealmaking on Michael Jackson's assets, saying in her filing that the two executors are "intent on keeping her in the dark."

Her request may be a shot in that dark, but perhaps Judge Beckloff will attempt to broker some cooperation between the parties. We'll post an update here after a decision has been made.