Michael Jackson’s Family Seeks Custody of his Children

By Sarah Harper

Published on July 02, 2009

Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, is seeking custody of the late singer's three children - Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr. (a.k.a. Prince Michael), 12, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11, and Prince Michael II, 7. A court granted Katherine temporary guardianship of the children after the singer's sudden death.

The Jackson family attorney, Londell McMillan, reported that the family has not heard from the two eldest children's biological mother, Deborah Rowe. Rowe married Michael in 1996, divorced him in 1999, and relinquished her parental rights. When she sought them again in 2003, she and Michael reached a settlement (in 2006) - the terms of which were never disclosed. Michael's youngest child was born to a surrogate mother whose identity has never been revealed.

A court hearing is set for August to determine whether Katherine will obtain permanent guardianship.

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