Jackson's mother granted custody

Jackson said in a 2002 will, he wanted his mother to raise his children

Michael Jackson's mother Katherine will become the permanent guardian of her son's three children, a Los Angeles judge has ruled.

The 79-year-old has been caring for Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II since the singer's death on 25 June.

The ruling follows an agreement with Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe, mother of the two eldest children.

The singer had nominated his mother to raise his children in a 2002 will.

Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff also granted Mrs Jackson a monthly allowance from her son's estate, which is believed to be worth $500m (£300m).

Custody rights

The amount was not disclosed, but the judge ordered the allowance to be applied retrospectively to June and be reviewed after six months.

Jackson's children were also approved a monthly allowance, which will be reviewed after the same period.

Ms Rowe is the biological mother of Jackson's eldest children, but she gave up custody rights to the pair following her divorce from Jackson in 1999.

The former nurse later applied for her access to the children to be reinstated, reaching an agreement with Jackson in 2006.

Under the new custody agreement, Ms Rowe will have visitation rights with the two oldest children and will continue to receive spousal support payments.

Lawyers for both parties said no money had been involved in reaching the agreement with Ms Rowe.

Her lawyer, Eric George, said the agreement "eliminates uncertainty" over the children's future.

The singer's youngest son - Prince Michael II, known as Blanket - was born to a surrogate mother whose identity has never been revealed.

Jackson's autopsy results are due to be released this week.

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