LOS ANGELES - A JUDGE on Monday named Michael Jackson's mother to be the temporary guardian of his estate, which includes the Neverland ranch and rights to songs by The Beatles.

Mitchell Beckloff, a judge in Los Angeles Superior Court, said that Katherine Jackson, 79, would control Jackson's estate until a hearing on July 6 to make a more formal decision.

The judge earlier also gave her temporary custody of the King of Pop's three children, whom she has been caring for since their father died on Thursday.

There were contradictory reports on whether the superstar left a will. The Jackson family did not present a will in court documents but at least one of Jackson's many lawyers has reportedly said there is one. -- AFP