Custody battle for Jackson children

Jul 3 2009

A custody battle over Michael Jackson's children could pit a grandmother's bond against a mother's biological link.

The pop star's mother Katherine Jackson was granted temporary custody of Prince Michael, 12, Paris Michael, 11, and Prince Michael II, 7, at least until a court hearing in early August.

But Debbie Rowe, the mother of the two elder children, on Thursday indicated she would contest the ruling, a move that could see their fate eventually settled by the courts.

Some reports say Ms Rowe does want her children back. She gave up custody to Jackson following their divorce in 1999. But there remains debate as to whether she legally signed away full parental rights in doing so.

However, a lawyer for Ms Rowe - commenting on a decision to delay a guardianship hearing - further complicated matters by saying his client had not yet decided whether to seek custody.

The Jackson family earlier said they have not heard from Ms Rowe since Michael's death was announced. They also asserted their authority over the three children, stating that their wellbeing was the family's main priority.

Katherine was also named as guardian in a 2002 will, believed to be the last written by Jackson. But if Ms Rowe does contest the petition filed at Los Angeles Superior Court, it is unlikely to be a straightforward decision for the courts.

It was also revealed on Thursday that a public memorial will be held to mourn Michael Jackson at the venue of the singer's final rehearsals.

AEG Live, the promoter of the King of Pop's planned series of London concerts, said fans could gather at the Staples Centre, in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Jackson was rehearsing for the London concerts at the venue on June 23 - two days before he died from a suspected cardiac arrest.