Katherine Jackson was granted temporary guardianship of Michael Jackson's three children today in Los Angeles Superior Court, Usmagazine.com has confirmed. A hearing is set for Aug. 3 to determine if she'll become their permanent guardian.
Revisit the King of Pop's most unforgettable moments
Judge Mitchell Beckloff rejected Katherine's request to serve as the temporary guardian of the children's estate. Katherine filed a petition Monday asking the court to appoint her as guardian of Jackson's three children.
The petition states the kids have "no relationship with their biological mother," Debbie Rowe, according to TMZ.com, which first reported the news. Katherine also filed a petition to become the administrator of Michael's estate to ensure his children are its beneficiaries, the Associated Press reports.
Joe Jackson has joined in the petition to attempt to name his wife as the keeper of Michael's estate. Michael has two children with ex Rowe –Prince, 12, and Paris, 11. His third child, Prince Michael II, 7, was born to a surrogate (the mother's identity was never revealed). The court filings Monday list her whereabouts as "unknown."
Look back on Michael Jackson's life
Us confirmed last week that the children have been staying with Katherine at the family's Encino, Calif., estate since their father's June 25 death.
On Monday's Today show, the Jacksons' attorney Londell McMillan said there isn't "anybody who thinks that there is someone better" than Katherine Jackson to have custody. Said McMillan, "She is a very loving host of other grandchildren."
Over the weekend, Katherine was spotted at a Los Angeles Target stocking up on toys, sleeping bags and other supplies. McMillan added that the family hasn't heard from Rowe, who gave up her custody rights to the children after she and Jackson divorced in 1999.
See how Michael Jackson's face has changed over the years
In a statement over the weekend, Rowe's attorney, Marta Almli, said: "Ms. Rowe's only thoughts at this time have been regarding the devastating loss Michael's family has suffered. Ms. Rowe requests that Michael's family, and particularly the children, be spared such harmful, sensationalist speculation and that they be able to say goodbye to their loved one in peace."
