MICHAEL JACKSON’S family yesterday won the first round in what could be a protracted legal battle when it was granted temporary guardianship of his three children.
The singer’s mother, Katherine, filed for custody of the children in the Los Angeles superior court and was granted control until the case is heard on August 3rd.
The three children – Prince Michael Junior (12), Paris Michael Katherine (11) and Prince Michael II (7) – have been staying with her at her home in Encino, Los Angeles, since Jackson’s death last Thursday.
There has been no indication of a legal challenge from Debbie Rowe, the biological mother of his two oldest children.
The youngest was born to a surrogate mother, who has not been publicly identified, and was listed in the petition under the section mother as “none”.
The petition shows that Katherine Jackson (79) is also seeking to take over the children’s estate. The value was listed as “unknown”.
The petition argued: “Minor children are currently residing with [their] paternal grandmother. They have a long-established relationship with [their] paternal grandmother and are comfortable in her care.”
The family’s lawyer, Londell McMillan, said he did not anticipate a challenge from Ms Rowe, a former nurse who filed for a divorce in 1999 after three years of marriage.
She signed an agreement with the singer in 2006 about her rights to the children but the details have not been made public.
As the biological mother she would have a strong claim on the two oldest children, even if the singer’s will was to propose the grandmother be given custody.
Ms Rowe’s lawyer at the weekend issued a statement that offered no hint of her intentions. “Ms Rowe requests that Michael’s family, and particularly the children, be spared such harmful, sensationalist speculation and that they be able to say goodbye to their loved one in peace,” it said.
Jackson’s parents and other members of the family, as well as friends, gathered in Encino yesterday to discuss funeral arrangements, possibly at the singer’s home, Neverland, and a tribute event.