Katherine Jackson's Attorney: Custody Agreement For Jackson's Children 'Close'

Access Hollywood - July 27, 2009 10:42 AM PDT
Story photo: Katherine Jackson's Attorney: Custody Agreement For Jackson's Children 'Close'Debbie Rowe and Katherine Jackson Getty ImagesAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Katherine Jackson's attorney said a custody agreement for Michael Jackson's children with Debbie Rowe is "close" and could be reached prior to the scheduled August 3 hearing.

"Whatever the agreement will be, [it] will not be based on money," attorney L. Londell McMillan told NBC's "Today" show co-host Matt Lauer on Monday morning.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Michael Jackson's Children

When asked if they were working to resolve the custody arraignments for Prince Michael, 12; and Paris Katherine, 11 - who Debbie is the biological mother of -- as well as Prince Michael II, 7 - whose mother is an undisclosed surrogate - before an upcoming August 3 hearing, he said, "absolutely."

McMillan noted that despite how the media has portrayed the parties involved, the custody proceedings have been "very thoughtful, very caring" in regards to Jackson's children.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Michael Jackson's Public Memorial: The Moments You Missed

"I want to say the parties have been very responsible," he said. "Debbie Rowe, her lawyers, Mrs. Jackson have been very thoughtful, very caring, very prudent, and we do believe we're very close to reaching an agreement, and this swirling speculation is just swirling speculation."

"We'll be making an announcement very soon," he told Matt. "What's best for the children is what Michael wanted and what has been happening: Mrs. Jackson to have custody of these children."

Jackson stipulated in a 2002 will that his mother be given custody of his children.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Michael Jackson: The King Of Pop

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, the custody hearing originally scheduled for July 20 was postponed until August 3.

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Did Prince Michael Witness Michael Jackson's Final Moments?
PLAY IT NOW: Joe Jackson's Wild Night In New York City (July 23, 2009)

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Michael Jackson - Debbie Rowe - Michael Jackson's Children - Katherine Jackson

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comments 1-10 of 29  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Cassie
    I believe that Debbie is just in it for the money. she doesnt desearve those children. When she hasnt really been a major part of their lives. I mean come on the woman gave up custody of her children for money. What kind of mother would do that. I dont care if I was broke and on welfare. My kids stay with me end of story. There is no amount of money in the world that would buy my kids.
    report abuseposted July 29, 2009 2:00 AM PDT
  • ozzie l
    Now that Michael Jackson has passed away, the truths of those diabolic accusations will one day be revealed while he rests in peace and Satan will die forever! Satan lives only until his lies are made known. Also, Satan refuses to repent.
    report abuseposted July 28, 2009 9:35 AM PDT
  • Joy W
    Debbie was never there to be an actual mother; I think she likes her freedom. I honestly don't believe that she has ever wanted to be a full time mother. Michael would not have said his mother should take care of the children, if he thought his father would have anything to do with them. He knew that his dad doesn't live with his mom. The kids have stated they want Grandma, give th
    report abuseposted July 28, 2009 8:28 AM PDT
  • Joy W
    I AM SO GLAD THEY DID THIS THE RIGHT WAY, ha ha ha Media, you didn't get what you wanted. You wanted this to get ugly and stuff, but you didn't get it. Good job to Debbie Rowe and Kathrine Jackson. I know that Michael is proud of you both for doing this the right way.
    report abuseposted July 28, 2009 8:26 AM PDT
  • Natasha
    I feel the children are better off with the Grandmother not only because it is Michael's wish, but this is life and family they have grow and devlope to be .I feel regaurdless if Debbie Rowe is there mother she knows the role she played. Michael had her concieve the children her role is over and DR is paid in full..To rip the children from there grandmother is wrong.
    report abuseposted July 28, 2009 5:40 AM PDT
  • Renisa
    i agree with t lovely. if mj had a troubled life at home. why put those kids through the same thing. i believe debbie is whats best for the kids. their mother... and let the jacksons live their life doing what they all do best.being crazy...you all need jesus. and read some of gods word. really....
    report abuseposted July 27, 2009 9:17 PM PDT
  • Lizzie
    Debbie Rowe wont those kids for the money, not love, to much times has past for those kids. She was paid one time. If she love those kids, she wouldn't accepted the money the first time. The kids need to stay with the family they love. Not Rowe because they doesn't no her.
    report abuseposted July 27, 2009 9:14 PM PDT
  • xoxo
    No one knows the real story about MJ and we probably never will. He was obviously a sensitive soul - a lot of highly creative types are. Yet he also had the means to get psychiatric help for his problems. We all have demons to overcome in life and it's just so unfortunate that he didn't get the right kind of help to overcome his. Maybe in your next life MJ!
    report abuseposted July 27, 2009 8:58 PM PDT
  • Lizzie
    Debbie Rowe, it's a money thing. To much times has past in those kids life,you wasn't there, No love there.
    report abuseposted July 27, 2009 8:56 PM PDT
  • REI M
    If I got a divorce and thought that my children were better off with their father, and then he died...I would not let their 'grandmother' take over. I think she agreed that JACKSON was good for them but I'm not sure about ANY of his family. Sure they can be a part of their lives but I still think they should be with their mother. It's pretty safe to say Wako Jacko
    report abuseposted July 27, 2009 8:21 PM PDT
comments 1-10 of 29  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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