Judge Grants Custody to Katherine Jackson

Katherine Jackson is now the sole carer of her late son Michael Jackson’s children, with a Los Angeles judge signing off on a deal to grant the 79-year-old full custody on Monday.

The Jackson matriarch and her son’s former wife, Debbie Rowe, reached an agreement regarding children Prince Michael I, Paris Michael – Rowe’s biological son and daughter – late last week, with Rowe agreeing to visitation rights and continued spousal support in exchange for relinquishing her claim on the children.

At the hearing on Monday, Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff stated that Katherine would be supplied with a “family allowance” paid out of the King of Pop’s estate to better care for his children.

“It’s not my intention to deprive the children of anything,” Beckloff said.

Jackson’s other child, Prince Michael II – aka Blanket – will also be raised by his grandmother, with the judge ruling that there was “no legal mother” to care for him.

Rowe’s attorney, Eric George, released a statement on his client’s behalf outside of court, praising the result that had been reached.

“Today the parties and the California court brought about a result that is selfless and wise through a process that was collaborative and fair,” George said. “Everyone sought the same objective: doing what is best for the children of Debbie Rowe and Michael Jackson. Today’s result – five-and-a-half-weeks after the tragic death of Michael Jackson, eliminates uncertainty and offers stability to the lives of these children.”

A status hearing will be held on January 11, 2010.

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Jackson’s Kids to be Raised by Aunt

Michael Jackson’s orphaned children will reportedly be raised by their aunt, Rebbie Jackson, if Jackson matriarch Katherine gains custody over their biological mother Debbie Rowe.

A source has revealed that Rebbie, one of the lesser known of the Jackson clan, has been “privately” and “deeply” involved in the lives of her younger brother’s three children, and is the best possible carer for Prince Michael, Paris Michael and Blanket.

While the Jacksons are still divided on many issues in regards to Michael’s estate, the source was adamant that everyone involved believes Rebbie should be the one to raise the children, and there would be no question that the 59-year-old singer would push to become their custodial parent.

Rebbie, who shares a Las Vegas home with her husband of 20 years, is currently living with her mother and Michael’s three children at the Jackson family’s Encino home.

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