legal-matters

Michael Jackson's Mother Receives Temporary Custody of His Kids

by Celebuzz on Jun. 29, 2009 11:15 AM / 29 Comments

Though Michael Jackson did everything in his power to keep his children out of the public eye during his lifetime, the offspring of the singer, who died unexpectedly on Thursday, were thrust into the spotlight in a big way on Monday.

Us Magazine reports that Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, filed a petition for guardianship over the King of Pop's three children—Prince, 12, Paris, 11 and Prince Michael II, 7 today. The petition claims that Prince and Paris have "no relationship with their biological mother," Debbie Rowe (Prince Michael II was birthed by a surrogate).

And according to the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff has granted Jackson temporary guardianship of the children for the time being.

The filing goes on to note that the whereabouts of the surrogate who birthed Prince Michael II are "unknown." (The woman's identity was never revealed.)

Us confirms that Jackson's three orphans have been staying with Katherine at the family's home in Encino, California, since their father's death on Thursday.

But establishing guardianship for the children might not be all that clear-cut. Though Rowe divorced Jackson in 1999 and gave up custody rights during a 2005 legal battle, news broke last week that she later fought to have them restored.

According to a source, Rowe is "inconsolable" in the wake of her ex-husband's death. "She will always love Michael and she always considered him a dear friend."

Judge Beckloff has set a hearing for July 6 at 8:30 a.m. for the custody case.

Have your say in the comments section: Who do you think should receive custody of Michael Jackson's kids?

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Comments / 1-10 of 29

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veronica 4 mos ago
Reply

Sorry, but those two kids are the blood children of Debbie Rowe and if anyone should have custody of them now that MJ is dead it should be her. However, if she has any sense of affection and maternal love for those children she will let them be raised by the only family they have ever know, the Jacksons. Although she should develop a relationship with them.
Datagirl 4 mos ago
Reply

Look what a great job Momma and Pappa Jackson did with Michael! That's messed up! I hope Debbie gets her kids back. 79 yr. old ladies don't have the energy to raise teenagers.
noah 4 mos ago
Reply

They should be released into the wild and raised by wolves. That would be AWESOME.

Teen wolf!
Lexi 4 mos ago
Reply

I don´t think his mother should g et custody. I mean she is not the y oungest and I´m sure she can´t tak e care of them like a real mot her. What if she dies in the nex t couple of years? Then the kids wi l be in this messed up situation aga in!
suzieQ 4 mos ago
Reply

They should be with people they know and who cares for them not the money train that accompanies them. Do they know their mum;have they even met her. They have been through enough in their short lives but in a way should they not be asked what they want as kids can be at times painfully honest
gabrielle 4 mos ago
Reply

They should be with their grandmother and family. The Jacksons are the only ones who can help the children understand their father and the life he had.
EE 4 mos ago
Reply

I think first option should go to their mother, if she wants them. Their support should be taken care of by Michael's estate. There must be enough money (especially now) to care for them in the way they have become accustomed to. I also think the Jackson family should be give visitation rights. Michael's parents are older, so it is important to consider who will be able to give them consistancy long term. If their mother doesn't want them (which would be very sad), maybe one of Michael's siblings has a stable family oriented household that would be suitable for them.
db 4 mos ago
Reply

Michael was very candid about the abuse he suffered as a child. There is no way those kids should be with his parents!
bawwow 4 mos ago
Reply

i think maculay culkin should raise them
drcuddy 4 mos ago
Reply

Agreed! They should go to Rowe.