HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Michael Jackson’s mother has filed a petition seeking legal guardianship of the late singer’s three children.
According to The Associated Press, Katherine Jackson filed papers Monday morning in Los Angeles Superior Court in an effort to obtain custody of the pop star’s children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris Michael Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II, 7.
The filing comes just four days after the 50-year-old music icon was pronounced dead from an apparent cardiac arrest.
Jackson’s former wife, Debbie Rowe, is the mother of the two older kids, while the youngest, nicknamed Blanket, was born via a never disclosed surrogate mother. The three children are currently living with Jackson’s mother and father, Joe, in Encino, Calif. The family notes that their long ties to the children make them the most suitable guardians.
“They have a long established relationship with paternal grandmother and are comfortable in her care,” read the court filing.
The petition also declares that Rowe’s whereabouts are “unknown” and Londell McMillan, the Jacksons’ attorney, said the family has yet to hear from her. During an appearance on Monday’s “Today Show,” McMillan said Jackson’s mother is the obvious choice to take over custody.
“I don’t think there will be anybody who thinks that there is someone better,” he said. “She is a very loving host of other grandchildren.”
An insider close to the Jacksons told People that the family believes Rowe has intentions of seeking custody.
“Joe and Katherine think she’s going to come after them,” said the source.
A hearing on the petition has been scheduled for Aug. 3.
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