Jackson's Mother and Brothers Disagree About Neverland Burial

July 8, 2009 — -- Some of Michael Jackson's brothers plan to seek permission to bury his body at Neverland Ranch, the Xanadu-like estate at which the King of Pop once held court but where he vowed never to return again, sources close to the family told ABCNews.com.

State officials said the process to establish a cemetery in a residential area could take weeks. Adding to the delay, sources said, was a push by Jackson's mother, Katherine,, 79, that the family find an alternative place for burial out of respect for the singer's wish that he never return to Neverland.

Jackson made no arrangements for his burial in his will, written in 2002 and made public last week. His mother was the only family member, aside from his children, mentioned in the will, and her opinion carries considerable weight in any decision the family ultimately makes, sources said.

Though a final decision has yet to be made, some family members have begun the lengthy process to establish a state-sanctioned cemetery on the 2,800-acre estate, which, in Jackson's prime, was replete with amusement rides and a zoo, but fell into disrepair after Jackson left the compound in 2003 in the aftermath of allegations that he molested a child.

Three of Jackson's brothers -- Jackie, Jermaine and Tito -- visited Neverland just two days after Jackson died, reminiscing about their brother and fueling speculation that a memorial or burial might be held there.

Though there are laws about scattering cremated remains, local officials suggested it would likely be permissible if the family scattered Jackson's ashes on the ranch.

Jackson was memorialized Tuesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. An estimated 19,500 people attended while 1 billion watched on television. Since the ceremony, however, the family has remained mum on plans for a burial and secretive about the current whereabouts of his body.

Sources told ABC News that following the public memorial, the family's plan was for Jackson's body to go to Forest Lawn Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills, the final resting place for some of Tinseltown's biggest names, to await burial arrangements.

A cemetery spokesman said a confidentiality policy prevented him from confirming that the body was there.