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For now, mom gets custody over Jackson's kids

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-07-01 09:13

LOS ANGELES: Michael Jackson's mother Katherine on Monday won temporary guardianship of the late singer's children and control of his estate as a legal battle over his kids, money and belongings began to take shape.

Katherine Jackson won the first round in what could become a protracted fight over an estate estimated to be valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Katherine Jackson, Michael Jackson's mother, is driven out of her home in Encino, Calif., Monday, June 29, 2009. [Agencies]

Attorney L. Londell McMillan, who said he was Katherine Jackson's legal counsel, issued a statement late on Monday saying the family was pleased with the judge's rulings. It is unclear if Jackson drew up a will before he died.

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge on Monday approved the appointment of Katherine Jackson as temporary guardian of Prince Michael, 12, Paris Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II, 7, pending a hearing next week.

Katherine Jackson was also named "special administrator" of her son's estate until a July 6 hearing, but the court order stipulated that she was not to take possession of money or property, except as permitted by the court.

Court paperwork filed by Katherine and Joseph Jackson, parents of pop star Michael Jackson, regarding the pop star's estate and custody of his children are shown in Los Angeles June 29, 2009. [Agencies]

In her court filing, Katherine Jackson said she was seeking control of funds "for the exclusive use of the decedent's children" and was concerned about bank accounts controlled by unnamed "third parties".

His two eldest children were from his marriage to Debbie Rowe and the third is from an unidentified surrogate mother. In court papers, Katherine Jackson said the children had "no relationship with their biological mother", and it was unclear whether Rowe would also seek custody of the kids.

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"Whoever has ultimate custody of these children, who are probably going to be the beneficiaries of his estate, will get control of his money to care for the children," entertainment attorney Jerry Reisman told Reuters.

Jackson's court filing indicated the Thriller singer died without a will, but media reports said a former Jackson lawyer, John Branca, possessed a will signed by the pop star. Branca did not return calls on Monday.

Reuters