Some Clarity in the Ongoing Saga of the Jackson Children

Conjecture ran wild in the days immediately following the recent death of pop star Michael Jackson regarding what would become of his three young children. Some questions have been answered on that front now, as the late entertainer’s family quickly moved to take care of his rather complex personal and financial affairs. Documents filed in Superior Court indicated that Jackson’s parents believed that their son had died without a valid will. They also noted in other related documentation that they feel that they should be granted both stewardship of his estate and custody of his children.

In keeping with those wishes, Judge Mitchell Backloff ceded temporary guardianship of the Jackson children, who range in age from 7 to 12, to Jackson’s mother, Katherine. An attorney for the Jackson family, L. Londell McMillan, noted in a statement, "Mrs. Jackson deserves custody, and the family should have the administration of the brilliance of Mr. Michael Jackson. Mrs. Jackson is a wonderful, loving and strong woman with a special family many of us have admired for years. The personal and legal priorities are focused on first protecting the best interests of Mr. Michael Jackson's children, his family, his memorial services and then preserving his creative and business legacy with the dignity and honor it deserves."

The children are now living at what is described as the "Jackson Family Compound" in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. Mark Lester, godfather to the Jackson children, agreed with the court’s decision to grant custody, even if temporary, to Katherine Jackson. Said Lester, "She is a very loving, kind and gracious woman, and she had a very close relationship with Michael and a very good rapport with her grandchildren. I know the kids are fine. They are deeply saddened by what’s happed, but they’re coping."