Michael Jackson's Mother Gets Full Custody

Katherine Jackson, mother of Michael Jackson, and the pop star's ex-wife Debbie have arrived at a deal to give Mrs Jackson full custody of her three grandchildren, according to her lawyer.

The King of Pop's children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and Prince Michael II, age 7, were placed in the care of their grandmother Katherine at the family compound in Encino, CA., since Jackson's sudden death last month.

Michael's father Joe Jackson was not named as a custodian of the children, but remains married to Katherine and therefore could become the children's guardian. MJ regularly stated in interviews that his father Joe had abused him as a child.

Joe and Catherine are believed to be separated, with Joe spending much of his time living in Las Vegas.

Mrs Jackson and Debbie Rowe, - the biological mother of MJ's 2 oldest children - were expected to go to head to head in a custody battle sometime next week.

The youngest of the late singer's children, Blanket, was born via an unknown surrogate

Katherine's lawyer, L. Londell McMillan, announced the pair have come to a mutual agreement that will make Mrs Jackson the children's' legal guardian. Debbie Rowe will have legal visitation rights.

In a TV interview Thursday morning, McMillan confirmed a deal had been struck between Jackson and Rowe, stating Rowe would not challenge the agreement in court.

McMillan maintains that Rowe will not receive any cash benefits as part of the negotiation.

He explains, "It's an agreement... for the best interests of the children. This is not a money deal.

All of the parties are resolved. There is no situation better for these children than for them to be raised and reared in the loving care of Mrs. Katherine Jackson."

Mrs Jackson and Rowe are scheduled to appear in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday at which time a judge will likely approve the custody agreement.

Jackson's Will, made in 2002, was filed in a Los Angeles courthouse and it gives custody of all his children to Katherine in the event of his death, cutting out Debbie Rowe. The Will specifies that Rowe has been "intentionally omitted" from receiving anything.

His Estate has been placed in a trust to be executed by 3 trusted advisors.

In the Will, Jackson specified that if his mother died before he did, then singer and long-time Jackson friend Diana Ross would gain custody of the children.

Jackson, age 50, died June 25 of an appararent cardiac arrest. An ongoing investigation into the circumstances of his death continues.

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