Michael Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, is poised to take full custody of the two kids she had with the superstar, who died of cardiac arrest yesterday.
It is widely reported that Debbie Rowe gave up her parental rights to Paris Jackson and Michael Jr. (a.k.a. Prince Michael Jackson). That is not true.
During the custody fight that Rowe had with Jackson in 2005, she attempted to give up her parental rights, saying MJ was the greatest father ever.
Retired Judge Stephen Lachs, who presided over the hearing, initially ruled her rights were terminated ... but Lachs later reversed that decision.
Lance Spiegel, a lawyer who represented Jackson at the time, says that under the law, the Department of Children and Family Services must conduct a parental fitness investigation before parental rights are terminated.
That didn't actually happen with Rowe.
He's the one known for wearing masks, but Debbie Rowe, former wife of Michael Jackson, has been shrouded in mystery before and after marriage.
Essentially, Debbie Rowe never gave up anything. As a result, under California law, Rowe is now presumed to be the person who will get custody of the kids.
The only way Rowe can be denied custody is if a court determines it would be "detrimental to the children." Considering they lived with Michael Jackson, that seems unlikely. As for whether Rowe will ask for custody, sources say bet on it.
According to a source close to the situation quoted by TMZ, if Rowe gets custody she will receive "a huge amount of child support from Jackson's estate."
Michael never identified the mother of his youngest child, Prince Michael Jackson II, a.k.a. "Blanket." Who will end up with custody of Blanket is unclear.
The exact cause of Jackson's death is also unclear, although speculation has already arisen that a prescription drug overdose may be responsible.
Here's a picture of Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe in happier times ...
Share
22 Comments
June 26th, 2009 2:12 PM
that debbie really cleaned up financially with michael. she never has to worry about money. and the jackson family is going to be so angry because it was reported that debbie couldn't stand them therefore they can expect to get no kind of financial support from her. i hope she repairs neverland and makes it another graceland. debbie be good to those kids.
June 26th, 2009 7:02 PM
O no, pls dont split up the kids. Let them all stay together. I think its best that they stay with their grandmother. Does Debbie even have relationship at all with them?
June 26th, 2009 8:46 PM
I don't think she should have any rights to those children. She gave them up and they don't even know her - I think it would be dreadful if they were handed to her. I also think they should be kept together. The only world they knew was with their father and they are going to be totally traumatized after his death - they should certainly not be separated and they should stay with his family. I saw transcripts from the agreement they made regarding the children and Michael already had someone in mind to take care of them if anything should ever happen to him. She said so herself. I hope she doesn't get them
June 27th, 2009 3:18 AM
DEBBIE is a stupid bitch and she does not need too be in kids life she gave up on them once and she ll do it again that s just who she is and now that he is gone she will go after the kids just cause of the money. i just hope that Jackson s family do whatever it takes to protect them kids from a mother like Debbie.just too be in Michael life is a blessing but too have kids by Michael is every girl dream come true.Michael deserved much more and much better than her he was a star that s something she ll never be but i guess people do not know what they have til its gone.i am so hurt because Michael is no longer with us but his music and just the way he was and things he did will go on for ever. when Michael died part of my heart goes with him and the other part goes out too his family and his kids.MICHAEL REST IN PEACE AND I LL ALWAYS KEEP YOU AND YOUR KIDS IN MY PRAYERS AS FOR THE JACKSON S KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN PROTECT THEM KIDS AND GOD BLESS YOU. VERONICA , ROCKFORD IL.
June 27th, 2009 7:21 PM
I don't think Debbie will get custody considering the kids age... the 2 kids in question are 11 and 12 and definitely old enough to have a say as to where they want to live... with grandma or with a total stranger who sold them for cash. They will chose grandma.
June 28th, 2009 1:11 AM
God Bless Michael Jackson, he was a truly remarkable beautiful man. His past mis dealings should not be brought up, people are only bringing them up to make him look bad. THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN. In 5 years people will forget all those stupid criticizing people, but they will not forget Michael Jackson or his awesome songs. Rest In Paradise Michael you truly will be missed. As for the mother of these 2 children, she has no right to have them. It's obvious that Michael and her did not marry out of love so therefore she doesn't deserve such beautiful children. Let them stay with their Jackson family
June 28th, 2009 5:18 PM
The kids should be returned to their mother - it is outrageous that MJ ensured she never saw them. Everyone has the right to see BOTH their parents. Being the child of a celebrity is irrelevant.
June 29th, 2009 8:46 AM
Regardless of the "world's'opinions(and everynoe has one even though 'opinions'which are nothing but 'judgements in truth,a child/ and or children should always be with their mother.People seem to choose or forget the immense connection and influence a mother has on her children> I am a mother and I know that while they may have been seperated from her for a length of time, either way you view/judge it SHE is thier mother and he CHOSE her to be that.As for child number 3, 'Blanket'< I pity, wonder and can only hope his best interests are at the heart of everyone> Maybe if Michael Jackson had revealed his birth mother's identity, ratger than hide and control his children's lives through money, maybe the 3 children have a chance to share time together and grow up with some type of real and true connection. To blame Debbie Rowe is a clear scapegoat to his own loyalty and love to and for his children to know, understand and feeel connected to their oroginal orogins> I grew up with parents that loved him> I loved him as a performer and singer, and my 9 year old son loves him too> I only have the utmost respect for him but it's no longer about him. IT'S ABOUT THE CHILDREN. Everyone in their grief of the loss of M.J. seems to have forgotten this> To all you parents out their, if you died unexpectedly, what would you truly want for your children's future?
June 30th, 2009 10:41 AM
I think the children would be better with the Mother.
After all what kind of life did Michael have with his parents
Looks like his father is seeing $. His speech on TV was to promote his new business, not the death of his son.
July 1st, 2009 8:20 AM
That debbie is so ugly,, I thought michael would have some kind of hot wife.