Michael Jackson’s mother named as guardian to his children

LOS ANGELES — Michael Jackson’s mother was named temporary guardian Monday of the singer’s three children, and court papers filed by the family indicate that the 50-year-old King of Pop died without a will.

According to papers filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Jackson’s three children are the sole beneficiaries of his estate. His mother, Katherine Jackson, is seeking to be named administrator of his estate.

Some media reports indicated that entertainment lawyer John Branca has Jackson’s will and plans to file it with the court. He could not be reached for immediate comment. Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, told reporters he did not want to comment on reports of a will, “because we’re looking at that too.”

Earlier Monday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell L. Beckloff approved the appointment of Katherine Jackson, 79, as temporary guardian of the singer’s children, based on papers submitted on her behalf by her lawyer, Diane M. Goodman.

However, Beckloff also set another hearing for July 6 to address issues regarding the naming of a temporary guardian of the singer’s estate, and then to consider a permanent guardianship for the children. He also ordered that notice of the hearing be provided to Deborah Rowe, the mother of two of the children, Prince Michael, 12, and Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11.

The third child, Prince Michael II, 7, was born to a surrogate mother.

Rowe and the Jackson family could wage a protracted battle over whether the children will remain with the Jackson family at their Encino home, or be turned over to Rowe, according to various media reports.

However, Jackson family members say they have not heard from Rowe.

Joe Jackson said the children belong with the family.

“We love those kids still,” he said. “We’re going to take care of them and give them the education they’re supposed to have. We can do that. And we have the area enough and the premises large enough to be able to extend to them all the help that they might need.”

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