LOS ANGELES: Erstwhile "King of Pop" Michael Jackson has been ordered to pay more than 256,000 dollars in overdue fees to a California law firm, court records have revealed.

The eccentric music legend, who is struggling to rebuild his career following his acquittal for child molestation charges in 2005, must pay US$216,837 in fees and US$39,177 in interest, documents show.

The law firm of Ayscough and Marar sued Jackson on Feb. 21, 2006 in Torrance Superior Court, just outside Los Angeles.

The firm was employed by Jackson for work connected to his sex abuse trial two years ago. The case was moved to Los Angeles civil courthouse last year at the request of Jackson's lawyers.

A judge ruled last month in favour of the law firm, with Jackson's lawyers agreeing in principle to the judgement, which was signed last Friday, court records show. – AFP/ac