Judge names Katherine Jackson permanent custodian of Michael's children

Katherine Jackson

A judge has ruled that Michael Jackson's mother should raise the King of Pop's children, giving legal backing to a deal agreed last week.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff appointed Katherine Jackson as the permanent guardian of the late singer's three children during a court hearing in Los Angeles today.

Mrs Jackson was named by Michael Jackson as his first choice to raise his children in a 2002 will filed with the court.




The 79-year-old is the only person to formally petition for custody of the children since Jackson's death on June 25 at the age of 50.

Mrs. Jackson and her son's ex-wife Deborah Rowe reached a custody agreement last week.
The three children, who range in age from 7 to 12, have been living with Mrs. Jackson at the family's home in the San Fernando Valley since their father's death. The two eldest children signed declarations apparently indicating they wanted to remain with Mrs. Jackson.