LOS ANGELES — A custody hearing over Michael Jackson’s children that was scheduled for Monday has been postponed until July 20, court officials announced Friday.
The decision was made at the request of the late singer’s mother, Katherine Jackson, and the King of Pop’s ex-wife, Debbie Rowe. Rowe is the mother of Jackson’s two oldest children, Prince Michael I, 12, and Paris Katherine, 11. His youngest child, Prince Michael II (Blanket), 7, was born through a never revealed surrogate.
There is some speculation that the postponement signals that the Jackson family is having direct discussions with Rowe, perhaps negotiating for her to remain out of the children’s lives. The music icon received full custody of the three kids after Rowe filed for divorce in 1999, with many speculating that she received upwards of $10 million to give up custodial rights.
Rowe has sent mixed signals ever since the singer’s death on June 25. Shortly after his mother was awarded temporary guardianship in court on July 2, Rowe declared, “I want my children,” during a 90-minute phone conversation with NBCLA’s Chuck Henry.
Her attorney, Eric George, later said, “The truth is that Debbie has not reached a final decision concerning the pending custody proceedings.”
In his 2002 will, Jackson designated his mother to become guardian of his children, while naming longtime friend Diana Ross as a backup. However, under California law, a biological mother holds strong powers in court and that could present a challenge to the entertainer’s wishes. Rowe’s former attorney, Iris Finsilver, previously told People that his one-time client indeed has a solid case to assume guardianship of the children.
“Frankly, she won’t have to fight for them,” said Finsilver. “She is the children’s biological mother. She loves her children.”
Jackson’s children have been living with his mother at her Encino, Calif. home, which is where they’ll stay for the time being.
“All prior orders remain in full force and effect, with Katherine Jackson as temporary guardian of the children,” read a statement released Friday by the Los Angeles Superior Court.
