Even after death, as in life, everyone and his brother wants a piece of Michael Jackson's money.

Sources to TMZ report that upwards of $20million in creditor claims are being filed in his estate. The claims come from a doctor, various law firms and a lady named Shellie Doreen Smith, who claims to have been married to Michael Jackson in the seventies.

My personal favorite is the taxpayer who sued on behalf of the City of Los Angeles taxpayers. Apparently the taxpayers picked up $3.3 million of the memorial tab and he believes the estate should pay back the City. The article claims him as a "do gooder". I suspect a "do gooder" lawyer is behind this claim. But then again, why shouldn't the estate pay for the memorial service? Is only one Los Angeles taxpayer outraged? Seems like all should be; I certainly would be.

Hallie Zobel

January 14th, 2010