The Wall Street Journal says the late pop singer Michael Jackson drafted a will in 2002 that divides his massive estate among his mother and his three children.
According to the report, published Tuesday, a lawyer for the pop icon might file the will in a Los Angeles courtroom as early as Thursday.
Jackson's mother has been granted limited control over some of the singer's property, as well as temporary guardianship of his children, who range in age from 7 to 12.
Sorting out the estate likely will be a major ordeal, because the singer left behind about $500 million in debt. However, his assets are believed to be worth much more than that.
In addition to his own valuable recording catalogue, Jackson owned rights to music by other artists, including the Beatles, from a joint music publishing venture with Sony Corporation.
Funeral arrangement have not yet been made for Jackson, who died suddenly last Thursday at the age of 50. His family is awaiting autopsy results that could help determine the cause of his death.
The coroner's office in Los Angeles said there were no indications of external trauma or foul play. But the office said it will take weeks for test results to come back. Jackson's family ordered a private, second autopsy.
On Monday, officials from the coroner's office visited the pop icon's mansion and removed two large bags of medical evidence.
There is speculation that painkillers may have killed the singer, but toxicology tests are not expected to be completed for several weeks. A lawyer for Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, denies media reports that he prescribed painkillers to the singer.
Jackson died as he was preparing to launch a series of 50 sold-out comeback concerts in London next month. Concert promoter AEG Live has promised to refund ticket-holders.
In New York, the Apollo Theater is holding a public memorial for Jackson on Tuesday. The singer won the theater's amateur contest in 1967, performing with his brothers as The Jackson 5.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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