A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge gave Branca and McClain temporary control of Jackson's estate overruling the objections of his mother Katherine Jackson.

Katherine, who is the temporary guardian of Jackson's three children, expressed concerns about McClain and Branca's financial leadership.

Her attorneys said that they were not challenging the will but said Katherine was best positioned to oversee Jackson's estate as she has been consistently involved with his business affairs throughout his career, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"Her concern is about handing over the keys to the kingdom this quickly to this group," said John E Schreiber, one of her attorneys.

But judge Mitchell Beckloff said the emergence of a 2002 will that named the two longtime Jackson associates – Branca and McClain -- as executors persuaded him to remove the star's 79-year-old mother from the position of limited power she had held over the estate for a week.

"I think the law compels that result. I think Mr Jackson felt comfortable with these individuals, at least in 2002," the judge said.

Whether the 7-year-old will is valid will be the subject of an August 3 hearing, Beckloff said.

However, the executors must seek court approval of any major business decisions and solicit input from Katherine Jackson about such deals, the judge said.

The court decision has empowered Branca, a leading music industry attorney, and McClain, a co-founder of Interscope Records, to begin cracking down on the sale of unlicensed merchandise bearing Jackson's name and likeness.

"We agree that somebody needs to be at the helm of the ship until the next petition is being heard. Mr Branca and Mr McClain for the next month are at the helm of the ship," said Beckloff.

Singer's mother Katherine, who is busy with her son's funeral and public memorial today, did not attend the hearing.

According the 2002 will, Jackson's assets will be placed into a trust that would distribute money to singer's mother and children. The trust includes a provision that cuts out of the will any beneficiary who challenges its validity.

McClain met the Jackson family 40 years ago and did studio work with them while Branca started representing Jackson in 1980, but the two parted ways in 2006.

Jackson had rehired Branca just eight days before his death, his lawyers said in the court.

Later an attorney for Jacksons said that Katherine was "relatively pleased" with the outcome of the proceeding as it says that Branca and McClain have to consider Katherine Jackson's wishes before any major business decision.

"We will be watching closely," L Londell McMillan, attorney for Jackson's family said.