Katherine Jackson, the mother of late pop icon Michael Jackson, was granted permanent guardianship of her son’s three children on Tuesday morning by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff. As previously negotiated with Jackson’s ex-wife Debbie Rowe, Katherine Jackson will have custody of Prince Michael, Paris and Blanket.
Debbie Rowe will receive visitation rights with Paris and Prince Michael, as well as monetary spousal support based on previous agreement with Michael Jackson before his death. An unspecified amount of allowance has also been granted to 79-year-old Katherine Jackson and Jackson’s children from the singer’s estate.
Another major legal issue to be dealt with during Tuesday’s hearing is the big question of who will emerge with primary control of Michael Jackson’s estate. Currently, Jackson’s attorney’s John Branca and John McClain – appointed as his estate executers by Jackson in his will – hold most of the reins of Jackson’s estate and assets.
Katherine Jackson may or may not challenge aspects of this arrangement in an attempt to gain further access to her late son’s fortune.
Branca and McClain are also expected to ask for additional leeway to broker deals to promote Michael Jackson related products to bring in more cash flow to the estate.