Jackson's father seeks allowance

Joe Jackson has requested an allowance from the estate of his late son Michael, saying the pop star supported him for years before his death.

In court papers filed in Los Angeles, the 81-year-old's lawyers said his monthly expenses are $20,000, but he receives only $1,700 from the state.

They added that the pop star's estate has earned an estimated $100m (£60.1m) since his sudden death on 25 June.

A hearing to assess the request is expected to take place early next year.

'Surprising'

Michael Jackson's will omitted his father, but made provision for his mother and children.

Monthly payments to Katherine Jackson along with his daughter and two sons were approved by a judge last month.

They may be re-evaluated at the same time as the hearing to determine Joe Jackson's case.

Documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court state that Joe Jackson does not have a regular income and relied on payments from his son which came through his wife Katherine for many years.

Joe Jackson's lawyers went on to state that he has diabetes and suffered a stroke a decade ago.

His only source of income comes from social security payments, they added.

Howard Weitzman, a lawyer for the administrators of the pop star's estate, said it was "quite surprising to learn of the request".

He added: "Mr Jackson's petition will be considered as are all requests for money from Michael's estate."

Joe Jackson's outgoings were listed in the court papers and included rent for his Las Vegas home, meals out, air travel and hotel accommodation.