Lawyers Reach Custody Agreement for Michael Jackson’s Children

By Sarah Harper

Published on August 04, 2009

Attorneys for Katherine Jackson and Debbie Rowe (the late Michael Jackson's mother and wife, respectively) have reached an agreement over who will have custody of the singer's children. Katherine will be awarded custody of Prince Michael, 12, and Paris, 11 (whose biological mother is Rowe) and guardianship of Prince Michael II, 7 (whose biological mother has never been revealed).

Rowe, who was married to Michael from 1996 to 1999, relinquished her custody rights for the two oldest children following the couple's divorce. She sought custody rights again in 2005 and settled, in 2006, for visitation and spousal support. Immediately after Michael's death in June, courts granted Mrs. Jackson temporary custody of the children. (Michael Jackson's will stated that, in the event of his death, he wanted his mother to care for the children.) Meanwhile, Rowe appeared to have some interest in obtaining custody, although her stance was not made clear publicly. The custody agreement reached this week is expected to resolve the dispute and allow the children to live peacefully.

A court hearing to formalize custody is scheduled for Monday.

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