LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) – Michael Jackson’s mother will get custody of the late pop star’s three children after reaching an agreement with his ex-wife Debbie Rowe, avoiding a custody battle only days before a court hearing on the matter.
Rowe will have visitation rights with her two biological children with Jackson — Prince Michael, 12, and Paris, 11, under the terms of the agreement, lawyers said on Thursday.
The biological mother of Jackson’s third child, Prince Michael II, 7, also known as Blanket, has never been revealed.
Jackson’s mother, Katherine, 79, was granted temporary custody of the children after he died from cardiac arrest on June 25.
The “Thriller” singer had stipulated in his 2002 will that he wanted his mother to care for the children, but following his death, Rowe seemed to consider challenging Katherine Jackson’s custody. A hearing on the matter was set for Aug. 3.