i know we all don't like to think about death and dying, but i'm gonna use steve mcnair and mj as examples: protect your loved ones while you're alive


Why is Michael's Mom Mounting Legal Challenge?
Posted Jul 19th 2009 10:10AM by TMZ Staff

Sources connected to Michael Jackson's family tell us some family members as well as lawyers for the estate are ticked off at some legal eagles who may be trying to start a legal war.

Attorneys Londell McMillan and Burt Levitch do not represent Michael's estate -- they represent Katherine Jackson personally. They filed legal papers Friday asking a judge to rule if Katherine can object to the appointment of the executors named in Michael's will and still collect the money her son left her.

Here's the issue. There's a "no contest" clause in the will, meaning anyone who files objections to the will automatically gets no money. McMillan and Levitch want to know if the "no contest" clause would apply if Katherine only objects to the executors Michael chose.

Here's what's bugging some family members and the lawyers representing the estate ... the will gives Katherine 40% of Michael's estate, so she can't be upset about that. The will names Katherine guardian for the children .. again, that's what she wants. And the named executors -- John Branca and John McClain -- are Michael's longtime, trusted advisors and friends.

So why would Katherine object to the will or the executors? A lot of people who are in the middle of it all feel Katherine is being manipulated and doesn't really understand the implications of mounting a legal challenge.

So why are McMillan and Levitch kicking up dust?


Battle Brewing Over McNair Estate
Posted Jul 19th 2009 1:30AM by TMZ Staff

Slain QB Steve McNair may have left a mess behind, because a legal fight over his estate seems to be taking shape.

McNair did not leave a will. His widow, Mechelle, has been named administrator of his estate. She's named her two sons, Tyler and Trenton, as heirs.

But here's the problem. McNair has two older sons from a prior relationship -- Steven McNair Jr. and Steven O'Brian Koran McNair. Mechelle did not list either child as an heir.

Under Tennessee law, Mechelle gets 1/3 of the estate and the remaining 2/3 is split evenly among the heirs.

We don't know why Mechelle failed to mention the other two kids. There are reports she's not convinced McNair fathered the two older kids, even though one of them was getting $500 a month in child support from the NFL'er.

And the plot thickens ... McNair's agent is being coy about the possibility a will really does exist.



so if his mother or brother get anything, it's at his wife's discretion.
[Edited 7/19/09 15:13pm]

People concerned with material things when a loved one dies are vultures.

Well, sad but true, but a will is very necessary, especially if you are worth millions. People come from out of nowhere trying to get their piece of the fortune. Just look at the fiasco of when James Brown died. That was just a mess. Or what about Sammy Davis, Jr. His estate was full of debt and misfortune for his widow to sort out. People must care enough to protect their loved ones, because they don't know when they will leave the land of the living. We all will be leaving someday, though we don't know the day of our death. But its the responsiblity of the person who has died to leave had been intelligent enough to leave a will.

missfee said:

Wills are not a guarantee of no drama. People will sue anyway.

I am torn between if I want to be cremated or buried, donate organs or not?

Vendetta1 said:

i agree.

This reminds me I need an updated Living Will.
My concern is more that my partner being able to make medical decisions for me if I cannot. He would respect my wishes, where family might want to hold on.

If my brain function is that of broccoli I want the plug PULLED.

I want cremation and a party.

...the best reading of a will i have ever experienced was in the movie..THE VOYAGE...wit sophia lauren/richard burton...ohh..is was so tragic!!!..
..mzsexybaby

Vendetta1 said:

I didn't say it was not a guarantee of drama, but at least there's something in writing in place to say what's what. I know good and well that people still try to contest it anyway.

Close2u said:

well there's some sore of controvery with this. I've heard people say that they want to be cremated because its cheaper and why spend so much money while i'm dead anyway? I have checked to be an organ donor when I die, I think it helps to help somebody else who needs them in the land of the living, rather than waste them underground.