Katherine Jackson Was Granted Permanent Custody of Michael Jackson’s Children
Katherine Jackson and Michael Jackson (thewrap.com)
The King of Pop’s wishes that was wrote in his will to have his mother as the legal guardian of his children, has finally came true.
A Los Angeles judge, Mitchell Beckloff, named 79-year-old Katherine Jackson -who attended the hearing with son Randy and daughter LaToya- as permanent custody of the star’s children; Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11 and Prince Michael II, 7, and decided that the family allowance will be paid out of the entertainer’s estate.
After reaching a custody agreement with Debbie Rowe -Michael’s ex-wife and the mother of his first two children- several days ago, she is now can breathe even more relieve as the decision has become legal and official.
But there’s a surprise in Monday’s hearing. An attorney for Jackson’s Beverly Hills dermatologist (and also the man who was rumored as the biological father of Michael’s two eldest children), Arnold Klein, appeared at the hearing. Lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan said Klein wanted to “have a voice” in issues concerning the children’s “education, healthcare and welfare.”
Asked repeatedly by Judge Mitchell Beckloff to state what Klein’s interest was, Kaplan said it was due to his client’s “longstanding relationship with the children and longstanding relationship with Mr Jackson.” Judge Beckloff appeared to disregard Klein’s request as a move by “nothing more than a concerned friend” before inking the custody agreement. “It’s in the best interests of the minors,” Beckloff said, adding that Klein would have to file a formal request if he wanted to challenge the agreement.
Under the terms of the deal, Katherine Jackson gets permanent custody while Debbie Rowe receives visitation rights to Prince Michael and Paris. Outside the court, Rowe’s attorney, Eric George said, “Today the parties and the California court brought about a result that is selfless and wise through a process that was collaborative and fair. Everyone sought the same objective: Doing what is best for the children of Debbie Rowe and Michael Jackson. Today’s result – five-and-a-weeks after the tragic death of Michael Jackson, eliminates uncertainty and offers stability to the lives of these children.”
In addition to the custody hearing, the judge is expected to decide who will be permanent executors of the singer’s estate. Last month, attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain were made temporary executors. And despite speculation that lawyers for the Jackson family would seek to have Katherine appointed as a third co-executor, no challenge appeared to have been registered as Beckloff entered the will on Monday. Howard Weitzman, a lawyer representing McClain and Branca commented, “The judge did the right thing today. He admitted the will to probate. There was no challenge by Mrs Jackson.”
May the results be the best result for everyone. Congrats Mrs. Jackson!
[ via People ]
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