Custody Trial for Jackson Children Delayed

By Sarah Harper

Published on July 13, 2009

A custody hearing for Michael Jackson's three children has been delayed for a second time, at the request of the singer's mother, Katherine Jackson, and ex-wife Debbie Rowe. The hearing was originally set for July 6.

A judge granted temporary guardianship of his children (Prince Michael, 12; Paris, 11; and Prince Michael II ("Blanket"), 7) to Katherine shortly after Michael's death on June 25. In his will, Jackson left custody of the children to Katherine (or to singer Dianna Ross if Katherine were not living at the time of his death). Michael specifically excluded Rowe, mother of the two eldest children, from his will. The youngest child was born to a surrogate mother whose identity has never been revealed.

Rowe reportedly signed away her parental rights when she and Michael divorced in 1999. However, in 2006, an appeals court reportedly reinstated her parental status. Rowe has not stated publicly whether she will seek custody.

The custody hearing has been re-scheduled for July 20.

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