Katherine Jackson wins temporary custody

Jun 30, 2009, 9:07 GMT

Katherine Jackson was granted the order - which sees her caring for Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II - by the Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday (29.06.09) but she was denied temporary guardianship of the kids\' estate. EPA/GARY MALERBA

Michael Jackson's mother has become the temporary guardian of his three children.

Katherine Jackson was granted the order - which sees her caring for Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II - by the Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday (29.06.09) but she was denied temporary guardianship of the kids' estate.

Speaking outside his home in Encino, California, Michael's father Joe Jackson said: "We're the parents. This is where they belong. We're going to take care of them and give them the education they're supposed to have."

In a petition lodged by Katherine, it is claimed Prince Michael and Paris have "no relationship with their biological mother", Debbie Rowe.

Joe confirmed: "Debbie Rowe has nothing to do with what we're doing."

Appearing to confirm rumours Michael had kept his children segregated from other youngsters, Joe added: "We have kids back there, small ones like they are. They were never around other kids. They're happy."

However, it has been claimed Michael was keen for his sister Janet Jackson to look after his children if he passed away.

Although the 50-year-old King of Pop - who claimed his father physically abused him when he was young - was said to have forgiven Joe for the treatment he received as a child, he thought his kids would be better cared for by his 43-year-old sister.

A source said: "Everyone is expecting Katherine and Joe to raise the children. But it is understood Michael's will could prevent this from happening.

"He was determined his kids would be brought up in much better circumstances than the strict rule he had to endure. Janet is the one who Michael would want them to be with."

It has also been claimed Debbie has tried to contact Michael's family since his death.

Marc Schaffel - who worked with Michael and is friends with Debbie - said: "We've been trying to reach them at different numbers, but we don't know if who we've been leaving messages with have gotten the messages.

"In all fairness I wouldn't say they are avoiding her. Our understanding, though, is that the Jackson family does want to have contact with Debbie."

A hearing will take place on August 3 to determined whether Katherine will become the children's permanent guardian.

Katherine is also keen to become the guardian of the estate of Michael - who died following a suspected cardiac arrest last Thursday (25.06.09) - to make sure his kids are the beneficiaries. Michael's father Joe has supported the petition.

Katherine's lawyer Burt Levitch claims Michael had many bank accounts which are being controlled by third parties.

There is also concern over the late singer's stake in the Sony-ATV Music Publishing Catalogue - which includes the Beatles' back catalogue - as Levitch claims no-one is now looking after it.

Levitch is worried someone claiming to have Michael's power of attorney could try to do something with his assets.

According to gossip website TMZ, a court has made Katherine administrator of her son's estate pending a hearing next Monday (06.07.09).

In the petition filed by Michael's parents to probate his estate, they claim he died "intestate" - without making a will.

However, it has been alleged Michael made a will before his death which is currently with lawyer John Branca.

Branca - who stopped working with Michael in 2006 but was rehired three weeks ago - claims the document is the most recent of Jackson's will and says he will file it in 30 days.