By Clement Habarurema, on 2009-07-31 04:26:37
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Custody deal agreed for Jackson's children

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - - Michael Jackson's mother is to get permanent custody of the late pop star's children after agreeing a deal with the singer's ex-wife, attorneys for the two sides said in a statement Thursday.

The agreement -- which averts the possibility of an ugly court case -- will see Jackson's former wife Debbie Rowe receive visitation rights to the two children she bore Jackson, Prince Michael, 12, and Paris, 11.

The surrogate mother of Jackson's third child, seven-year-old Prince Michael II, known as "Blanket," has never been identified.

Rowe will obtain visitation rights for Prince Michael and Paris but would receive no money beyond the spousal agreement already in place -- reportedly worth some 8.5 million dollars -- a statement said.

"Mrs Jackson and the family are pleased this matter is resolved and was handled in a caring, thoughtful and courteous manner by the parties and their representatives," Jackson's lawyers Londell McMillan and Diane Goodman said.

"We were all united in our goals to do what is best for Michael's wonderful children, and both Mrs Jackson and Debbie Rowe were on the exact same page."

The statement said the "timing, frequency and manner" of Rowe's visits would be determined after consultation with a child psychologist.

The custody agreement would be presented at Los Angeles Superior Court for likely approval by a judge on Monday, the statement added.

Katherine Jackson, 79, was named temporary guardian of her grandchildren at a court hearing in Los Angeles four days after her son's death on June 25.

A will drawn up by Michael Jackson in 2002 named his mother as the guardian of the youngsters, with Motown legend Diana Ross named as an alternate.

The three children have been staying with Katherine Jackson at the musical clan's compound since their father's death last month.

Rowe signed away her parental rights to her two children in 2001, describing Jackson as a "wonderful man... a brilliant father."

However, a Los Angeles judge reversed the order in 2004 after Rowe cited concerns over publicity related to Jackson's prosecution for child molestation. Rowe later settled the case, reportedly securing visitation rights.

Despite Jackson naming his mother as the children's guardian in his will, legal experts said Rowe would have a strong custody claim on the grounds that she was the sole surviving biological parent.

Lawyers for Rowe had reacted furiously on July 14 after reports that her custody challenge was an attempt to secure a multi-million-dollar payout.

Rowe's attorney Eric George said Thursday the custody agreement was a "dignified outcome to a dignified discussion."

"The sole consideration between the parties was the best interests of the children," George said. "I'm proud to have worked with such professionals who represented Ms Jackson, and I am particularly proud of Deborah for her integrity and selflessness."

The fate of Jackson's children was one of the myriad legal tangles thrown up by the iconic singer's death last month. As well as custody issues, next Monday's hearing will also address the question of who controls Jackson's estate.

Meanwhile, the release of Jackson's autopsy results has been delayed until next week, the Los Angeles County Coroner's office confirmed Wednesday.

On Tuesday, federal agents and police raided the Las Vegas home and office of Jackson's personal doctor, Conrad Murray, who has become the central figure in the superstar's sudden death.

Search warrants filed in the investigation have indicated police are studying possible manslaughter charges against Murray, who is reported to have administered Jackson with a potent anesthetic before his death.

Jackson, 50, died suddenly at his rented mansion in Holmby Hills as he prepared to relaunch his career with a series of comeback concerts in London.