Joe wants Michael's money

Michael Jackson's father is seeking an allowance from his son's estate to help cover expenses that exceed $15,000 (Dh55,081) a month, according to court documents filed on Friday.

The request was filed by lawyer Brian Oxman.

Michael Jackson's 2002 will omitted any mention of his father. The two had an often-strained relationship, and Michael Jackson said at one point that he would get physically sick — as a child and as an adult — at the sight of his father. The singer's private trust calls for money to be paid to his mother, Katherine, his three young children, and various charities.

A judge has approved more than $26,000 (Dh95,474) in payments to Katherine Jackson each month, and a $60,000 (Dh220,326) monthly payment for the care of the children.

The latest court documents said Joe Jackson receives a $1,700 (Dh6,242) monthly Social Security payment and had relied on his son for support for many years. "He does not have a regular or steady source of income, and he was dependent upon the money provided by his son, Michael Jackson, through his wife, Katherine Jackson, for his support," the filing stated.

"It was quite surprising to learn of the request," Howard Weitzman, an attorney for the administrators of Jackson's estate, said in a statement. "Mr Jackson's petition will be considered as are all requests for money from Michael's estate."

Joe Jackson suffers from diabetes and had a stroke in 1998, the filing stated.

The filings are inconsistent in several places. A declaration states his monthly expenses exceed $20,000 (Dh73,4420) a month, but an itemised list only includes slightly more than $15,000.