Click photo to enlarge
Debbie Rowe, Michael Jackson's ex-wife, is shown in this
2005 file photo. Photo by AP.
Given the secrecy surrounding Michael Jackson's children
throughout his life, it's no surprise that there are lingering
questions about who will care for them after his death. What is
almost certain is this: Their fate will be decided in a
courtroom, with several people possibly vying for custody.
Experts say the person who has the strongest legal claim to
Jackson's two oldest children is their mother, Deborah Rowe.
As for the youngest child, Jackson's wishes will be more
influential.
It remains unclear who Jackson designated as potential
guardians for his children. Those details - likely contained
in the 50-year-old singer's will - have not been released.
Rowe's attorney, Marta Almli, wrote in a statement today that
"Ms. Rowe's only thoughts at this time have been regarding
the devastating loss Michael's family has suffered. Ms. Rowe
requests that Michael's family, and particularly the
children, be spared such harmful, sensationalist speculation
and that they be able to say goodbye to their loved one in
peace."
Jackson never told his family who he had in place to handle
his business affairs, a person close to the family told The
Associated Press on Friday. The person, who requested
anonymity because of the delicate nature of the situation,
said they were told by the singer's phalanx of advisers that
he likely had a will, but it may be many years old.
The person also said that the children are still in the care
of the extended Jackson family for the moment.
Jackson left behind three children: Michael Joseph Jackson
Jr., known as Prince Michael, 12; Paris Michael Katherine
Jackson, 11; and Prince Michael II, 7. The elder children
were born to Rowe, while the youngest is his biological son,
born to a surrogate mother.
Prince Michael II's mother has never been identified, and
while she may surface, it is likely that she signed away her
rights, said Stacy Phillips, a Los Angeles divorce attorney
who has represented numerous high-profile clients.
Jackson was by several accounts an attentive and loving
father.
"He was a great father," said Raymone Bain, Jackson's former
publicist and general manager. "Those kids knew three and
four languages. Even the little one. They were well mannered
and sweet. I can't imagine these children without him."
He was extremely protective of his children, who weren't
often seen in public, and were photographed wearing veils,
masks or other items covering their faces when they were.
Rowe, a former nurse for Jackson's dermatologist, married
Jackson in 1996 but filed for divorce in 1999. She later gave
up her custody rights to the children, but petitioned to have
those rights restored in 2003 after Jackson was arrested on
child molestation charges, and an appeals court sided with
her.
Jackson and Rowe apparently agreed in 2006 regarding her
rights, but the terms have never been disclosed. The couple's
divorce case that was heard in Los Angeles Superior Court
remains closed.
