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Jackson's mother granted custody | Jackson's mother granted custody |
(about 7 hours later) | |
Michael Jackson's mother Katherine will become the permanent guardian of her son's three children, a Los Angeles judge has ruled. | Michael Jackson's mother Katherine will become the permanent guardian of her son's three children, a Los Angeles judge has ruled. |
The 79-year-old has been caring for Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II since the singer's death on 25 June. | The 79-year-old has been caring for Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II since the singer's death on 25 June. |
The ruling follows an agreement with Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe, mother of the two eldest children. | The ruling follows an agreement with Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe, mother of the two eldest children. |
The pop star nominated his mother to raise his children in a 2002 will. | |
In a surprise move, a lawyer for Jackson's dermatologist, Arnold Klein, tried to enter objections to the parenting of Jackson's children at the hearing. | |
Lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan said Dr Klein wanted to "have a voice" in issues concerning the children's "education, healthcare and welfare". | |
But Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff quickly dismissed the claim, saying Dr Klein did not have any legal standing. | |
He added that the dermatologist would have to file a formal request if he wanted to challenge the agreement. | |
Custody rights | Custody rights |
Jackson said in a 2002 will he wanted his mother to raise his children | Jackson said in a 2002 will he wanted his mother to raise his children |
Dr Klein's objection is likely to stir up fresh speculation following tabloid claims that he is the biological father of Jackson's two children with Rowe. | |
His lawyer told the judge that biology was not the reason for his client's concern. "Legally, he is not a presumed parent," Kaplan said. | |
Appearing on CNN's Larry King show last month, Dr Klein was asked about the paternity claims and replied: "Here's the most important thing. Michael loved those children as a father. Those children loved him as a father. As far as I am concerned, that's the most important grouping that is." | |
During Monday's hearing, Mrs Jackson was also granted a monthly allowance from her son's estate, which is believed to be worth $500m (£300m). | |
The amount was not disclosed, but the judge ordered the allowance to be applied retrospectively to June. It will be reviewed after six months. | |
Jackson's children were also approved a monthly allowance, which will be reviewed after the same period. Although that amount was also not disclosed, the judge only granted 83.5% of what lawyers had requested. | |
However, he noted: "It is not my intention to deprive the kids of anything that they're entitled to." | |
Ms Rowe is the biological mother of Jackson's eldest children, but she gave up custody rights to the pair following her divorce from Jackson in 1999. | Ms Rowe is the biological mother of Jackson's eldest children, but she gave up custody rights to the pair following her divorce from Jackson in 1999. |
The former nurse later applied for her access to the children to be reinstated, reaching an agreement with Jackson in 2006. | The former nurse later applied for her access to the children to be reinstated, reaching an agreement with Jackson in 2006. |
Under the new custody agreement, Ms Rowe will have visitation rights with the two oldest children and will continue to receive spousal support payments. | Under the new custody agreement, Ms Rowe will have visitation rights with the two oldest children and will continue to receive spousal support payments. |
Lawyers for both parties said no money had been involved in reaching the agreement with Ms Rowe. | Lawyers for both parties said no money had been involved in reaching the agreement with Ms Rowe. |
Her lawyer, Eric George, said the agreement "eliminates uncertainty" over the children's future. | Her lawyer, Eric George, said the agreement "eliminates uncertainty" over the children's future. |
Jackson and Ms Rowe married in 1996 and divorced three years later | |
The singer's youngest son - Prince Michael II, known as Blanket - was born to a surrogate mother whose identity has never been revealed. | The singer's youngest son - Prince Michael II, known as Blanket - was born to a surrogate mother whose identity has never been revealed. |
A further hearing has been scheduled for 2 October to "review the circumstances of the children" and ensure the custody arrangement has been successful. | |
Judge Beckloff also approved Jackson's will, which named two music industry figures, John McClain and John Branca, as co-executors of the singer's estate. | |
To date, court records show the men have recovered some of Jackson's personal belongings, $5.5m (£3.25m) in cash and the singer's life insurance payout, all of which will end up in a private trust account. | |
Beckloff said he would consider Mrs Jackson's motion on whether she can disqualify McClain and Branca from administering the estate on grounds of their capacity or potential conflicts of interests. | |
He has given her until 2 October 2 to come up with reasons why she should have greater input. | |
Concert promoters AEG, who were behind Jackson's planned 50 London concerts, also filed papers asking to be named a party to estate hearings and to be kept informed of business decisions. | |
Jackson's autopsy results and cause of death are due to be released this week. |