Michael Jackson's Mother Awarded Full Custody of Children, Large Portion of Estate

With some likely wrangling still left to unfold in the case of Michael Jackson's children and his estate, a major decision was reached today with the announcement that Katherine Jackson will in fact have full and permanent custody, of Paris, Prince Michael and Blanket. She will also be given a monthly stipend through Jackson's estate to provide for the children and she and the children will hold a roughly 80 percent interest in the estate of the King of Pop.

There are still several details of various settlements pending, including with London concert promoter AEG. Terms of those pending settlements have not yet been disclosed, although the judge did re-affirm the executor roles of John Branca and John McClain. There are documents filed by the attorneys for Katherine Jackson that may challenge the roles of Branca and McClain as administrators of the estate. However, Jackson's will also contained a "no contest" clause, stating that anyone who challenged the will should be "disinherited" and would receive nothing.

McClain and Branca were granted power over the estate until October of this year, while the judge considers the arguments from Katherine Jackson's attorneys. A hearing is scheduled for August 28 for the judge to review those arguments and determine whether or not there are grounds for any challenge to Branca and McClain as administrators of Jackson's estate.