A recent article on LA Times online details the custody battle over recently deceased pop star Michael Jackson’s 3 children. In his will, Jackson had given his mother, Katherine Jackson, 79, custody of his 3 children. He named musical artist, and friend, Dianna Ross as the secondary choice of custody if his mother could not take the children.
Deborah Rowe, who was the surrogate who gave birth to the two elder children, will maintain her legal parental rights under an agreement reached by both sides. Rowe had waived her parental rights in 2001 after divorcing Jackson, but challenged the waiver in 2003 when the pop star was under investigation for child molestation. Her challenge was granted.
The agreement will go before a Los Angeles judge Monday, and both sides expect the judge to approve it.
Grandparent custody and child support arrangements are made according to the child’s best interests. In this instance, a major change of circumstance (a death) has resulted in an adjustment to the child custody situation for Jackson’s children. Deborah Rowe’s attorneys negotiated the terms of the change with Katherine Jackson’s attorney prior to appearing before a judge. Whenever possible, a situation where the family can agree on new arrangements is advisable. This keeps the decision process in the hands of the immediate family and doesn’t leave them to the whim of a family law judge.
Whatever the circumstances behind your modification of child custody arrangements, it is of the utmost importance to contact an experienced Southern California child custody attorney to help protect your rights and interests. With Wallin & Klarich on your side, you can rest assured that your attorney is working hard to get the best possible outcome for you and your family. We have more than 30 years of experience in divorce, custody and other family law matters. And with offices located from San Diego to Ventura to the Inland Empire, we’re able to be there for you, wherever you happen to be. For a consultation, call us today at 1-888-749-7428.
