Michael Jackson’s Mom Gets Temporary Custody
Posted on
Monday June 29, 2009
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05:01 PM
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Michael Jackson’s three children are under the care of the late icon’s mother, who was granted temporary guardianship today in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Katherine Jackson, 79, is due back in court for a scheduled hearing Aug. 3 to determine if she will become the children’s permanent guardian.
The court filing lists the three children – Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., known as Prince Michael, 12; Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11; and Prince Michael II, 7 – as living at the Jacksons’ family compound in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley.
"Minor children are currently residing with paternal grandmother. They have a long established relationship with paternal grandmother and are comfortable in her care," the filing states, which also notes that all three children “have no relationship with their biological mother.”
During a dress rehearsal at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
June 23, 2009
(AP Photo)
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Prince Michael II, nicknamed Blanket, was born to a surrogate mother and the court filing states “none” for the child’s mother. Deborah Rowe, Jackson’s former wife from 1996-1998, is the mother of his two eldest children. Her whereabouts are listed as “unknown.”
Rowe signed away her custody rights but then sued Jackson over the agreement and won an appeals-court verdict in 2006, according to the Los Angeles Times. She then settled with Jackson out of court on undisclosed terms.
"Ms. Rowe's only thoughts at this time have been regarding the devastating loss Michael's family has suffered,” an attorney for Rowe wrote in a statement. “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."
Katherine Jackson also requested in court today to be named administrator of the King of Pop’s estate following MJ’s death last Thursday.
Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff did not immediately rule on her request. Another hearing was set for July 6.
Katherine Jackson’s petition bid states she "intends to marshal assets of the decedent for the exclusive use of the decedent's three children — her grandchildren — after payment of debts and expenses of administration."
In this handout photo provided by AEG, pop star Michael Jackson rehearses at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
June 23, 2009
(AP Photo)
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The court filing notes Katherine and her husband Joe Jackson believe their son died without a valid will. A will for the pop start has not yet surfaced.
Joe Jackson told reporters MJ’s family is waiting for results of a second autopsy before finalizing plans for a funeral. The first autopsy was conducted Friday and the second autopsy is currently ongoing, with results expected soon.
When asked if the pop star would be buried at his Neverland ranch outside of Los Olivos, Calif., Joe Jackson said “that’s not true.”
In other Michael Jackson news, TheWrap.com is reporting MJ’s last rehearsal at the Staples Center June 24, the day before he died, was recorded in multi-camera, high-definition video and multi-track audio. The recordings, in preparation for his 50-date “This is It” residency at London’s O2, could be released as Jackson’s last album and a DVD/Blue-ray disc. The shows would have kicked off July 13.
Click here, here and here for the AP articles.
Click here for the Los Angeles Times article.
Click here for TheWrap.com article.
--Sarah Marie Pittman