Lawyer: 'New direction' in Jackson case

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- A lawyer for Michael Jackson's family says the fight for control of the late U.S. singer's estate is about to move in a "new direction."

Attorney Londell McMillan said Jackson's mother Katherine replaced two of her lawyers this week with estate litigation attorney Adam Streisand, CNN reported Friday.

"The case is now moving in a different direction, and the family thought it was best to bring on Adam Streisand's law firm," McMillan said. "The evidence precipitated the change and the need to take it in a new direction."

Katherine Jackson confirmed Friday McMillan was not one of the lawyers being replaced, despite statements to the contrary in court Thursday. The replaced lawyers were not identified.

While the Jackson family has not officially challenged in court the authenticity of the singer's will, at least one relative has openly questioned its validity.

One of Jackson's brothers, Randy, insists the "Thriller" star was in New York on July 7, 2002, the date the will reportedly was signed in Los Angeles.

CNN said the will names John Branca and John McClain as executors of Jackson's estate and unless the will is officially challenged in court, that designation will become permanent.

Jackson died June 25 at the age of 50.