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Jackson mother 'agrees custody' Jackson's mother to get custody
(about 24 hours later)
A lawyer for Michael Jackson's mother has told US TV that an agreement has been reached over the custody of the late pop star's three children. Lawyers for Michael Jackson's mother Katherine and his ex-wife Debbie Rowe have reached an agreement over custody of the late singer's children.
Londell McMillan told CBS News that Katherine Jackson is to be awarded custody of Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11 and Prince Michael II, seven. Mrs Jackson will be awarded custody of Prince Michael, 12, and Paris, 11, the two children he had with Ms Rowe.
He said Debbie Rowe, the mother of Jackson's two elder children, would have "meaningful visitation rights". She will also be the guardian of seven-year-old Prince Michael II, also known as Blanket, whose biological mother has never been revealed.
A court hearing to formalise custody is scheduled for Monday in Los Angeles.A court hearing to formalise custody is scheduled for Monday in Los Angeles.
Katherine Jackson was granted temporary custody of the children after the star's death on 25 June. Mrs Jackson was granted temporary custody of the children after the star's death on 25 June.
The biological mother of Prince Michael II, also known as Blanket, has never been revealed. Jackson had stated in his 2002 will that he wanted his mother to care for his children in the event of his death.
"It's an agreement, an agreement for the best interests of the children. This is not a money deal - this is not about money," Mr McMillan said in an interview on The Early Show. The parties engaged in a dignified discussion that resulted in a dignified outcome Debbie Rowe's lawyer Eric George
"All of the parties are resolved - there is no situation better for these children than for them to be raised and reared in the loving care of Mrs Katherine Jackson," he said. Rowe gave up custody rights to Prince Michael and Paris following her divorce from Jackson in 1999.
Custody rights The former nurse sought them again in 2005, reaching a settlement with Jackson in 2006.
Jackson stated in his 2002 will that he wanted his mother to care for the children if he died. Under the agreement, Rowe will have visitation rights with the two oldest children and will continue to receive spousal support payments.
Debbie Rowe gave up custody rights following her divorce from Jackson in 2000, but sought them again in 2005. Her lawyer, Eric George, said the parties had "engaged in a dignified discussion that resulted in a dignified outcome".
She and Jackson agreed a settlement in 2006 but the terms were never disclosed. Jackson and Ms Rowe married in 1996 and divorced three years later
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County coroner's office has said the release of Jackson's autopsy results have been delayed until next week. "Mrs Jackson and the family are pleased this matter is resolved and was handled in a caring, thoughtful and courteous manner," Mrs Jackson's lawyers L Londell McMillan and Diane Goodman said in a statement.
The results were due to be revealed this week, amid speculation about the possible role prescription drugs played in the singer's death. "We were all united in our goals to do what is best for Michael's wonderful children, and both Mrs Jackson and Debbie Rowe were on the exact same page."
County coroner assistant chief Ed Winter did not discuss the reasons for the delay. "This is not about money," Mr McMillan said earlier in an interview with CBS's The Early Show.
"There is no situation better for these children than for them to be raised and reared in the loving care of Mrs Katherine Jackson."
The agreement comes in the midst of continued speculation over the causes of Jackson's death.
On Thursday the Los Angeles County Coroner's office said the release of his autopsy results had been delayed until next week.