T.J. Jackson Made Permanent Co-Guardian of Michael Jackson's Kids

T.J. Jackson is now sharing guardianship of Michael Jackson's three children along with their grandmother Katherine Jackson. This arrangement was already in effect on a temporary basis, but was just made official by a judge in court today.

T.J. will assume many of the day-to-day tasks involved in taking care of the children, including management of household personnel and security.

T.J. has received enormous support from the family to take a guardianship role.

Katherine Jackson herself has praised T.J., as have the children, who have reportedly considered him a father figure for years. No conflict there.

The 34-year-old T.J. is Tito Jackson's son and thus a cousin to Michael's kids Prince, Paris and Blanket, despite being more than twice their age.

The judge told T.J. in court to be mindful of the giant rift currently tearing apart the family and to make sure the kids aren't adversely affected.

Four of Michael's siblings attempted to oust his estate's executors last month, while someone may have orchestrated a kidnapping of Katherine.

Tito and Jermaine Jackson later backed off their criticism of the estate, while Janet Jackson stood firm, and Debbie Rowe even weighed in on it.

[Photo: WENN.com]