- The suit contends AEG Live hired the doctor convicted in Michael Jackson's death
- Dr. Conrad Murray is under a court order to speak to the Jacksons' lawyers
- Murray has not testified under oath in Jackson's 2009 death
- The wrongful death lawsuit against AEG Live is set for trial in April
Los Angeles (CNN) -- The lawsuit filed by Michael Jackson's three children and mother that accuses a concert promoter of contributing to the pop icon's death can go to trial, a Los Angeles judge tentatively ruled Monday.
The trial for the wrongful death lawsuit against AEG Live, filed by Jackson matriarch Katherine Jackson and his children, Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson, is set for April. A final order on Monday's decision has not been issued yet.
The death in 2009 of superstar Michael Jackson, who died of cardiac arrest at the age of 50, sent shockwaves around the world.
Jackson's death caused an outpouring of grief from fans. Here, a fan places flowers at a makeshift memorial outside the Jackson family compound in Encino, California, the day after his death.
The Jackson 5 perform on a TV show circa 1969. From left, Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Michael Jackson, Jackie Jackson and Jermaine Jackson.
Michael Jackson quickly became the stand out star of the Jackson 5. Here he performs onstage circa 1970.
Known for his dance moves, Jackson is seen here jumping in the air while performing during the Dangerous tour in 1992.
Jackson broke a world record during the Bad tour in 1988 when 504,000 people attending seven sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium in London.
Jackson perfoms in concert circa 1991 in New York City.
Jackson achieved superstardom with his solo career in the 1980s. Here Jackson is shown on stage in Kansas in 1983.
Michael Jackson performs on stage circa 1990.
Michael Jackson performs with The Jacksons in New Orleans on October 3, 1979.
Michael Jackson earned the Legend Award during the MTV Video Music Awards in Tokyo in 2006.
Michael Jackson poses during a portrait session in Los Angeles in 1971.
Michael Jackson performs in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Jackson performs with his brothers.
Jackson performs during the Bad tour at Wembley Stadium in London.
Jackson performs during the taping of "American Bandstand's 50th: A Celebration" in 2002.
Photos: Michael Jackson, King of Pop
The judge has ordered Dr. Conrad Murray, who the suit contends was hired and supervised by AEG Live executives, to meet with Jackson lawyers next month for a deposition. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's 2009 death.
2012: Jackson aide accuses promoter in death
The judge's decision would allow the suit to move ahead on the contention that AEG Live was negligent in hiring Murray.
Murray was working as Jackson's full-time personal physician as the star prepared for his 2009 comeback concerts promoted by AEG Live.
Murray lawyer Valerie Wass said she would advise Murray to invoke his Fifth Amendment right to not answer questions.
"But Dr. Murray has a mind of his own," Wass said. "If he decided to answer a question, those parties don't know what he's going to say."
Murray's video-recorded deposition is set to take place on March 18 in the Los Angeles County Jail where he has been serving a four-year prison sentence since November 2011. He could be released on parole later this year.
Murray has never been questioned under oath about Jackson's death. He did not testify at his own trial that ended with his conviction in November 2011.
