Judge Sets Trial Date for Jackson Eviction Case

A judge Tuesday scheduled an eviction trial to determine if the former wife of two of Michael Jackson's brothers can remain in the family's Encino home, which is being renovated.   

Alejandra Jackson, who has been married to both Randy and Jermaine Jackson, has refused to move out of the home on Hayvenhurst Avenue, even though the estate has offered to put her and her children up in a condominium, according to City News Service. 

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell L. Beckloff set an April 14 trial date for the eviction case. The late Michael Jackson was the sole owner of the property, but he left his mother, 80-year-old Katherine Jackson, in charge of running the multi-family household.

Beckloff said he hoped the eviction trial could be averted through negotiations.   

“What makes sense is for you all to make some kind of agreement, especially with minor children involved,” the judge said.  

Attorney Howard Weitzman, representing the estate, told the judge he preferred going to trial sooner. But Robert Kashfian, on behalf of Alejandra Jackson, said he needed extra time to prepare for the trial because he wants to take the deposition of Katherine Jackson.       

“The frustration is, they are getting another free month of rent,” Weitzman said.   

Weitzman said he believed Alejandra Jackson should have to pay for part of the utilities while she is living at the Encino compound. But Kashfian said that would be illegal.

Katherine Jackson, , may have said things to her former daughter-in-law that could help his client's case, Kashfian said.   

Kafshian said Katherine Jackson may have had the ability to act as Michael Jackson’s “agent” and bind him to certain agreements with other family members, including Alejandra Jackson.

The Jackson estate has offered Alejandra Jackson and her children free use of a condominium until they become adults, in exchange for her agreeing not to write a tell-all book about the family. However, the woman's lawyers say she does not agree with the breadth of the agreement as proposed by the estate.

City News Service contributed to this report.