Katherine Jackson has been granted temporary guardianship of Michael Jackson‘s three children by a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff. Although she has been granted guardianship, the Judge rejected Mrs. Jackson’s request to serve as administrator of the children’s estate.
Mrs. Jackson filed a petition Monday asking the court to appoint her as guardian of Jackson’s three children, which states the kids have “no relationship with their biological mother,” Debbie Rowe. Michael has two children with Rowe –Prince, 12, and Paris, 11. His third child, Prince Michael II, 7, was born to a surrogate (the mother’s identity was never revealed). The court filings Monday list her whereabouts as “unknown.”
Katherine Jackson also filed another court action Monday, seeking to take control of her son’s estate, according to a person close to the proceedings who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter and requested anonymity. She is taking that action with the intent of protecting Jackson’s legacy, the person said.
On Monday’s Today show, the Jacksons’ attorney Londell McMillan said there isn’t “anybody who thinks that there is someone better” than Katherine Jackson to have custody. “She is a very loving host of other grandchildren.” Said McMillan.
McMillan added that the family hasn’t heard from Rowe, who gave up her custody rights to the children after she and Jackson divorced in 1999.
The children have been staying with Katherine at the family’s Encino, Calif., estate since the astonishing death of their iconic father. The filing lists the children as living at the Jacksons’ family compound in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. “Minor children are currently residing with paternal grandmother,” the filing states in an explanation of why Katherine Jackson should be appointed guardian. “They have a long established relationship with paternal grandmother and are comfortable in her care.”
Over the weekend, Katherine was spotted at a Los Angeles Target stocking up on toys, sleeping bags and other supplies.
A hearing is set for Aug. 3 to determine if she’ll become their permanent guardian.
